Colorado Avalanche: 6 Selections for the Second Round
Libor Hajek
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height: 6‘2″
Weight: 196 pounds
Current Team: Saskatoon Blades, WHL
Probability for Success: 2-3 years development, third pairing
Libor Hajek is a skilled defenseman who just spent a year on a “rebuilding” team. What that means is, the team was bad, and Hajek saw a lot of action in his own end. He’s gotten a lot of practice corralling the puck in the defensive zone and moving it up the ice.
As such, Hajek has developed into a good puck-moving defenseman. He’s got the smooth skating typical of European-trained players. He may take a moment to accelerate, but when he does, he moves quickly up the ice.
Hajek is more of a shut-down defender with a little offensive upside. He’s the kind of defenseman who can help make plays rather than finish them himself. Because of his experience, he’s also developed good game-management and puck control skills.
Libor Hajek is ranked #31 for North American skaters by Central Scouting, so he should still be available in the second round.
Hajek has decent enough size for the Colorado Avalanche to consider him. Likewise, Colorado prizes skating speed. His ability to move the puck would be a boon for a team that spends too much time in its own end. I think the Avs could very well select Hajek with their #40 pick.
Next: Pascal Laberge