Does a NHL team wanting a sure bonafide NHL player in their lineup, rather than taking a chance on a prospect who may or may not turn out? Well, Dalibor is as close to a sure thing for a regular NHL everyday player as you may get outside of say a Connor Bedard type player. Dvorsky will go to the first team that wants the guarantee of a future NHLer rather than a gamble on a potential star.
Every year NHL scouts and analysts are divided on players that could possibly be drafted, especially in the 1st round of the NHL playoffs. Dalibor Dvorsky is a Slovak who has been playing for AIK in the second-tier Swedish league, HockeyAllsvenskan. As a Centermen,(who also has played some RW) he becomes more valuable on the draft list for each team. What analysts and scouts are divided on are, how high are the possibilities for the potential of this player? Dalibor is that player who may be drafted higher if a team wants more of a sure bet but maybe not as high end a player as another who they may take a chance on. However at the same time, should they see his personal ceiling lower, Dvorsky could easily fall in the 10-15 range in this years 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Standing at 6’1 and already 201 lbs, I can easily see teams be impressed with his physical make up. Including he plays in Europe with men already, an NHL team could give him a year more of playing time in Sweden than sign to a NHL Entry level contract the following year and bring him through their AHL team affiliate . (Because of the agreement between leagues, European players playing oversees are not subject to same rules as CHL players drafted). Last season in 38 games he put up 6 goals and 8 assists on a team that finished near the bottom the league. He finish 8th in points. Considering he was the youngest player in the league, that is pretty impressive even if the numbers do not seem through the roof. But that’s not really his full story. Stats are only one way to view a player.
Dvorsky was leaned on in many circumstances when usually veterans are called on. Now when playing among his own age group, Dvorsky dominated both the U18 WHC and the Swedish U20 league. He represents much of what NHL teams think of, when describing a two-way forward. Dalibor is a forward who drives hard to the net but at the same time can equally distribute the puck to his teammates just as easy. He not only has high shot contribution but he produces high quality chances for shots on net. He knows where to put himself inside the offensive zone and uses his quick release to generate chances, even in tight situations.
Perhaps the biggest key in the young Slovak’s game is that he does so well reading situations, allowing himself to either get into proper defensive position or move the puck into a better spot offensively. He has no problem using his frame to leverage opponents in battles along the boards or to protect pucks, something many younger players tend to struggle with. His biggest drawback that may limit him at the NHL level is his skating. He does have a powerful stride, but is always working on adding more acceleration to his skating. If he can do that, he will be just fine. Quicker acceleration will only allow him to create more separation between others and himself.
PROJECTION: A solid 200 foot third line Centre or Top 6 RW in the NHL, who I see as the 7th best player in this years 2023 NHL Entry draft.
Dalibor Dvorsky HIGHLIGHTS
Keep on Keeping on!
Evan ‘REV’ Renaerts
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