Colorado Avalanche: Martin Kaut a Responsible, Accurate Player

The Colorado Avalanche are choosing16th in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft. Could they use that selection on Martin Kaut?

The Colorado Avalanche need some help on wing. They have their top two wings set in Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen. However, they’re going to need to bolster the position — usually they just use centermen as wingers.

In the spirit of increasing their depth at the position, the Avalanche may be looking to pick up a winger or two at the draft — perhaps even in the first round. They certainly have the option of choosing some wingers — the Avs have eight picks this year:

#16
#47
#58 (from Nashville)
#78
#109
#140
#171
#202

Perhaps the team will be looking at a winger out of the Czech Republic — they had one a while back named Milan Hejduk, and that worked out well for all involved.

Martin Kaut

2017-18 Team: HC Dynamo Pardubice, Extraliga
Date of Birth: Oct. 2, 1999 (18 years old)
Ht: 6’1″
Wt: 174
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right

More from Mile High Sticking

Ranked #14 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #22 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #13 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #20 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #4 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)

Right wing Martin Kaut currently plays for the men’s league in his native Czech Republic. On that team, he plays a checking role. However, Steve Kournianos of The Draft Analyst was impressed by what he saw of Kaut in the Word Juniors. He remarked that Kaut played exceptionally well on the top line for the Czech juniors team. The scout also noted that Kaut made tape-to-tape passes. He added:

"“Keep in mind, Kaut isn’t just some sort of flashy playmaker — he’s a highly-responsible 200-foot player who plays in all situations.”"

Future Considerations was also impressed by how Martin Kaut showed at World Juniors. Here’s what the scout liked about his game:

"“His smarts, sound decision-making, and two-way abilities were on full display, as were his offensive abilities as he set up plays and finished them off at the World Juniors. Our top European evaluator had glowing things to say about his mature play and this proved to be true on the international stage.”"

Grant McCagg of Recrutes is another scout who saw Kaut’s stock go up because of that tournament, citing his “strong performance,” especially on the first power play unit. McCagg adds, “Good size, skating and smarts will tempt scouts to grab him at some point in the second round…mind you some have him ranked in the first round now.”

In fact, he’s ranked between #14 to #20.

Ben Kerr of Last Word on Hockey is also impressed by Martin Kaut, calling him a “pure goal scorer” with “quick hands.” Kerr continues:

"“He can also score by pouncing on rebounds or tipping in shots. Kaut has a very good wrist shot. It is accurate and powerful. He can fool goaltenders from further out with a quick release. Kaut’s snapshot is also above average.”"

There are a couple things that Kerr thinks Kaut can work on, including his one-timer and first step acceleration. However, Kerr calls his top-end speed “very good” as well as excellent balance and a powerful stride. Kerr also sees Martin Kaut as a “talented playmaker.”

Like Kournianos, Kerr considers Martin Kaut to be a 200-foot player. While he’s not physical, Kerr thinks he’s plays a positionally sound game that includes cutting down passes and shooting lanes. What’s more, he’s not afraid to block shots.

Martin Kaut in action:

Martin Kaut and the Colorado Avalanche

I’d definitely like to see the Colorado Avalanche pick up a winger, even in the first round. Martin Kaut looks like a likely candidate. He does have good hands. And overall his skating is excellent.

GM Joe Sakic has been clear that he intends to choose the best player available when Colorado’s #16 picks comes up. Is that player Martin Kaut? I’m not sure. I don’t love it when a player started out lower on the scouting report and suddenly shoots up, like Kaut did thanks to his World Juniors play.

That said, Martin Kaut could be a boon to the team. I’d say the Avs, like me, have a couple players they’r prefer over Kaut. However, it those players get drafted before #16, they might take a flyer or the Czech winger.

MORE COLORADO AVALANCHE PROSPECTS:

The 2018 NHL Draft is just a couple weeks away, taking place June 22-23 in Dallas.