Photo: Brandon Taylor/ProAm Images
Player Overview
Team(s) : HC Litvinov (Czech), Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
Position: Centre/Left Wing
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 lbs
Introduction
Currently all over various draft boards, Jan Mysak is one of the most intriguing prospects out of the 2020 crop. Before being selected 20th overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs in the CHL import draft, Mysak played in the Czech league with HC Litvinov and also made it to the Czech team at the World Juniors. Despite the injury bug hurting The Czechs, his play at the international level really stood out. Shortly after that dominant performance, he came over to play with Hamilton in the new year.
At first glance, Mysak’s point totals (3-4-7 in 31 GP) with HC Litvinov don’t standout by any means, but with Litvinov, Mysak’s role was in the middle six with limited minutes (12:42 AAV /per game), against grown men.
Leaving your hometown to come to the OHL is not an easy decision to make, especially for a 17 year old. However, the fact that Hamilton held his rights and had fellow countryman and World Junior teammate Jan Jennik (Arizona) eased his transition and definitely showed his maturity. With Hamilton, Mysak finished the season with 15 goals, 10 assists for 25 points in 22 games. With The Bulldogs, Mysak flourished into a more defined role with Hamilton with 22:16 AAV/per game.
Mysak’s strongest attribute that should have scouts excited is the intensity throughout his play and his strong defensive game. Being one of the younger players in this class, excelling in all situations, especially the penalty kill, mixed with his sharp instinctive and creative play, make him stand out even more.
Hockey IQ
For his his age, his defensive play is exceptional. He reads the play well, is absolutely relentless on the forecheck and on the penalty kill, and does so without sacrificing his positioning or putting himself in a vulnerable position. He’s noticeable on every single shift, and provides pressure in every area.
Realistically, the best defensive players are not the ones blocking shots, but the ones the one that can generate chances, gain possession and contribute offensively regardless of the situation. Mysak does exactly that.
Analytics
Looking at this graph (courtesy of Mitch Brown), it examines the areas of Mysak’s game that work to his advantage, and the areas he struggled with. As expected, Mysak’s defensive numbers are really solid. His persistence puck pursuit style helped him strip opponents of possession and break up plays. Mysak is more of a playmaker, but for someone with a deceptive release, strong wrist shot, and knack for scoring, his shooting metrics are underwhelming and leave a little bit to be desired.
Shot Quality/Utilization
Mysak’s has a deceptively dangerous shot. For a player that is labeled as more of a playmaker, his wrist shot is lethal. He used his playmaking more when quarterbacking the powerplay, but grew more confident as a shooter. Overtime, Mysak should use his shot more frequently.
Statistics
Skating
Having a well rounded game mixed with speed like Mysak make him even more menacing. His skating make him a threat in all situations. He could work on his first step a bit more, but once he gets going, he uses his top end speed his advantage to escape his opponents and push players to the outside. With possession, he doesn’t shy away from traffic, but his deceptive skating makes it harder for opposing defenders to track where he is going to be. With that, he’s able to spin off opposing defensemen while maintaining possession as well. While speed is a strength of his, his posture and stride and overall skating style is a still a little awkward and could steer scouts the wrong way. This is not as big of a concern as it doesn’t effect his puck control that much, but might be something worth tweaking going into next year.
DY Environment
Mysak spent most of the year playing with Arthur Kaliyev (LA Kings) with Logan Morrison or Tag Bertuzzi on the wing.
Draft Rankings
#16 – Recruit Scouting
#26 – HockeyProspect.com
#15 – FutureConsiderations
#25 – ISS Hockey
#27 – McKeens Hockey
#29 – EliteProspects
NHL Comparable
- Reilly Smith
Projection
At RecruitScouting, we have him 16th, but he might not be a lock as a first round pick.
I expect him to be taken anywhere from the mid teens to mid 20’s but he could end up falling to the 2nd round.