The Calgary Flames took Samuel Honzek with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Samuel Honzek
Position: Left wing
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Age: 18
Club: Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Nationality: 🇸🇰
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: 9th among North American skaters
2022-23 stats
| GP | G | A |
|---|---|---|
| 43 | 23 | 33 |
Honzek is a physically imposing winger who the Giants used in all situations this past season. He finished second on his team in scoring - which is particularly impressive given that it was his first campaign in North America. However, an injury sustained at the world juniors slowed Honzek down and kept him sidelined long after the tournament finished.
He's not the flashiest offensive player, but he's a powerful skater with a knack for finding the back of the net in tight. While Honzek might be a few years away from contributing in Calgary's lineup, he certainly has the tools to blossom into a productive NHL player.
What they're saying
"He skates quite well for his size, he's got good hands and dexterity, he's got great feel and sense for the pressures that exist on the ice, and he's by all accounts a great teammate and kid who is coachable and pays attention to the details of the game," wrote The Athletic's Scott Wheeler.
"Honzek's game is exciting from a pro-projection standpoint," stated The Athletic's Corey Pronman in May. "He's a big forward who can skate well, which, when combined with the offense he's showing, makes for a well-rounded player. I don't think he's amazing with the puck, but he has good hands, can make tough plays with pace, and can finish chances both from range and in tight."
Click here to watch Honzek's highlights.
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