x

Already member? Login first!

Comments / New

Buffalo Sabres 2016 Top 25 Under 25: #20 Vaclav Karabacek

Vaclav Karabacek

Position: RW/LW

Age: 19

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 190 lbs.

Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd round (49th overall) in the 2014 draft

Last year’s ranking: Not ranked

For the second spot in a row, we have a second round pick from last year’s draft in our rankings. Today, it’s Czech winger Vaclav Karabacek.

Karabacek split the QMJHL season between Gatineau and Baie-Comeau, scoring 40 points in 59 games. His production was slightly down from the year before, when he scored 47 points, but he did play in eight less games. In the playoffs he was nearly a point a game, notching four goals and seven assists in 11 outings. That wasn’t exactly a surprise, since he had the same sort of result the year before, scoring 12 points in nine playoff games.

Karabacek was one of the last cuts from the Czech World Junior team, which was quite a surprise. Reportedly it was due to him oversleeping and missing the beginning of a video meeting. He is not currently on the Czech summer roster, but as Kris Baker notes he is likely in this same position as his fellow countryman Pavel Zacha, who is sitting out for precautionary reasons. Karabacek was at the Czech camp in Lake Placid for the NJEC.

The scouting report on Karabacek is that he’s a strong skater, but not the fastest on the ice. His best asset is his goal scoring ability, which is enhanced by a willingness to battle and get in the tough areas.

He looked very impressive at this year’s development camp, showing fans he’s not the flashy European that many might have expected. He uses his frame to play more like a power forward, a style that the Sabres somewhat lack on the wings. He likely is not a top six player, but could add valuable depth scoring for the Sabres for a playoff run. He’s likely three or four years away from possibly landing in the NHL.

Check out more from the Top 25 Under 25 series here.