Martin Necas, C, HC Brno (Czech), 6’1″, 168 lbs, DOB 01-15-1999
The Sabres have the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft on June 23rd and there is a very high chance that Martin Necas will be on the board at #8. Necas, ranked 9th by Future Considerations, 5th (Europe) by Central Scouting, and 13th by ISS Hoceky is an interesting prospect.
Necas is a highly skilled forward out of the Czech Republic and will definitely draw a lot of interest from NHL and the Sabres would be wise to think long and hard about drafting him at number 8.
In his 41 games with Brno Necas scored seven goals and added eight assists for 15 points. It may not sound like an impressive season but for an 18-year-old playing against the best pros his country has to offer Necas was very good this season.
At the IIHF U-18 tournament Necas recorded three assists in five games, along with 10 other points in 10 other games while suiting up for the Czech U-18 tournament.
Necas continued his strong international play at the World Junior tournament, scoring three points in five games for the Czech Republic.
Future Considerations scout Dennis Schellenberg was impressed with Necas this season. “He is an offensively gifted player who possesses a lot of poise, but he also hustles on the defesnsive side of the puck as well. He backchecks hard even if he loses track of his guy from time to time.” Schellenberg said, “Necas is a speedy center who possesses a very good shot and great skating skills. He is lightning-quick and has a good nose for the net. He can finish off plays as well as set up scoring chances.”
Why should Buffalo draft Necas at #8?
Necas is still very young, he’s an 18-year-old playing in a man’s league in Europe, so he has a lot of time to grow and develop his game before moving to North America. If the Sabres are patient enough to wait until Necas is ready then drafting him could be a slam dunk.
Although his size may be an issue at the moment, it is clear that Necas is a very gifted offensive talent. Scouts say he is quick, has good hands and all the necessary tools to be a talented offensive threat. If the Sabres draft Necas it would be reasonable to assume they switch him to the wing (like they did with Reinhart and like the Leafs did with Nylander) and if he adjust properly he has all of the tools to eventually slot in on Eichel’s wing.
A player who can project to be a top-6 forward in the NHL is always a good choice early in the first round, and if the Sabres answer their questions on D before the Draft Necas could very well become their main target at the Draft.
What do you guys think? Should the Sabres take a chance and add to their forward depth by selecting Necas at 8? Any questions regarding Necas or the draft can be sent to @SabresFanatics or to myself @austin_broad.
Thanks for reading and be on the lookout for more prospect profiles on the way.
Stats provided by eliteprospects.com and quotes provided by futureconsiderations.ca
