Scouting Report: Jakub Vrana, LW, Linkoping (Sweden)

Central Scouting Rank: 4 (European Skaters)

Bio

Stats

Overview:

Vrana split his time in 2013-14 between the SHL and the SuperElit, amassing more than a point a game in the junior league, while notching 3 points in 24 games with the big club. Although those numbers don't immediately jump off the page, the 18-year-old handled himself well among men in the SHL.

Vrana saw his draft stock dip slightly this season, but still possesses excellent offensive instincts, solid passing, above average skating, and has a knack for finding the soft spots in the attacking zone. One of the knocks on Vrana is the stalled development of his defensive game, something that may hold him back on draft day.

Pro Comparison

Jakub Voracek

Scouts are saying

"He plays with determination and drive, has an excellent work ethic and is a very fast skater with excellent all-round skills," According to Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb. "He is able to control the game and create a lot of scoring possibilities with his quick moves."

"Once ranked fairly high, Vrana has experienced some bouts of inconsistency in his game and has yet to really develop the defensive awareness that scouts were hoping for," Dobber Prospects' Brendan Ross said of Vrana. "That aside, Vrana is an imaginative passer with above-average puck skills and his knack for cashing in on loose pucks in the scoring area doesn’t go unnoticed. His arsenal features a quick accurate release that can fool opposing goaltenders and his ability to find the scoring areas cannot be taught."

Highlights