Draft R2 #63: Rangers select LW Adam Sýkora (HK Nitra, Slovakia)

[SnowblindNYR]

How does he compare to Berard? Berard seems to have more offensive upside?

 

[brakeyawself]

I don't get this pick. He's an ok middle-bottom 6 prospect, another slow, defensive type of forward, all be it with a good shot. But I really don't see the upside compared to a few of the centers that were taken after him at least, which we need. At least if he was going to pick a winger, there were some higher ceiling wingers still available too.

But as far as centers, particularly Kaskimaki, Adam Ingram or Aiden Thompson, the latter two who I think could really blow up in college.

McConnel_barker seems like a decent pick for late 3rd. But really would have preferred one of the above 3 over Sykora.

 

[NYBaselRanger]

I don't get this pick. He's an ok middle-bottom 6 prospect, another slow, defensive type of forward, all be it with a good shot. But I really don't see the upside compared to a few of the centers that were taken after him at least, which we need. At least if he was going to pick a winger, there were some higher ceiling wingers still available too...

Look i`m fine if anyone doesn`t like the picks. But please READ or LISTEN to scouting reports if you don`t know the player(s).

Here some scouting reports just for everyone who has to complaine...

"Sykora is a speedy forward who likes to be around the puck. His game is all about playing in a high-tempo and competing hard.”(Miroslav Simurka, FC Hockey)

From the EliteProspectDraftGuide:
His speed, especially, will create opportunities for him. Even in the NHL, opponents will have to watch out for him – he could turn an interception or a stick-lift into an odd-man rush the other way on a moment’s notice.
Sýkora’s high pace of play, speed, developed physical skills and balance, and perpetual defensive engagement will likely make him a late Day 1 or early Day 2 pick at the NHL draft.

I also don`t like the later rounds drafts that much, but I read the reports or watch some videos to build my own oppinion and don`t arguement with wrong facts.

 

[brakeyawself]

Look i`m fine if anyone doesn`t like the picks. But please READ or LISTEN to scouting reports if you don`t know the player(s).

Here some scouting reports just for everyone who has to complaine...

"Sykora is a speedy forward who likes to be around the puck. His game is all about playing in a high-tempo and competing hard.”(Miroslav Simurka, FC Hockey)

From the EliteProspectDraftGuide:
His speed, especially, will create opportunities for him. Even in the NHL, opponents will have to watch out for him – he could turn an interception or a stick-lift into an odd-man rush the other way on a moment’s notice.
Sýkora’s high pace of play, speed, developed physical skills and balance, and perpetual defensive engagement will likely make him a late Day 1 or early Day 2 pick at the NHL draft.

I also don`t like the later rounds drafts that much, but I read the reports or watch some videos to build my own oppinion and don`t arguement with wrong facts.

rofl blah blah "I also don`t like the later rounds drafts that much, but I read the reports or watch some videos to build my own oppinion and don`t arguement with wrong facts."

The FACTS are there are competing reports about his pace. Decent straight line speed without the puck, not so much with the puck, poor edgework and not that agile. And if you actually watched the videos, that seems about right.

Hadi Kalakeche:

"Sýkora is among the best defensive forwards in his draft class. He understands defensive positioning very well, directs opponents into unfavorable areas, and approaches them at angles that maximize the odds of him escaping contact with the puck. He forechecks hard, backchecks diligently, and makes himself troublesome for his opponents on loose pucks and broken plays. On top of that, the winger has decent hands, a surprisingly good shot from medium range and some playmaking tools that are foundationally sound but need refining. He can find seams and exploit them, but doesn’t create them as often and tends to go for safe passes rather than take risks. The main concern with Sýkora is his lack of pace, especially with the puck, but some fine-tuning to his skating mechanics as well as the inevitable physical growth ahead of him should iron that out. He mans the boards well with his puck-protection mechanics already, and that should only become more of a strength as he matures physically. Sýkora could well be a second-line penalty-killing specialist when all is said and done, and has a fallback game as a bottom-six checking forward that makes him a safe pick-up in the late-first to early-second round."

High: "High said Sykora resembles Artturi Lehkonen and possesses a good shot, but needs to work on his acceleration."

So what are the "facts"?

That's rhetorical. No need to answer. I'm sure you'll just drone on and on talking about yourself. He doesn't have a great deal of control going forward and his pace with the puck is subpar. Maybe it will get better if he gains better control. But with his skating technique, questionable.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

How does he compare to Berard? Berard seems to have more offensive upside?

Berard is a high-energy winger, Sýkora is a physical, high-intensity winger.

Berard is more a transition player who carries the puck into the zone, while Sýkora is a 2-way player who benefits from his hockey IQ and positioning.

Offensively, I think they're not that much different.

 

[NYR Viper]

This team just showed this year that they need MORE guys who are high energy and in your face. They have the skill guys developing so grabbing a guy who translates well as a high energy support player is a good pick in the late 2nd.

 

[RangerBoy]

I was reading some stuff last night. Artturi Lehkonen/Blake Coleman type of player. The Avs won with Lehkonen. TB won two Cups with Coleman. Skating ability. Hockey sense. Competes hard. Forecheck. Finishing is his problem. He would have been a 1st rounder if he could finish. He was projected to go in the 2nd round. His projection is as a high-end role player and we have seen every team needs those players.

 

[NYR Viper]

I was reading some stuff last night. Artturi Lehkonen/Blake Coleman type of player. The Avs won with Lehkonen. TB won two Cups with Coleman. Skating ability. Hockey sense. Competes hard. Forecheck. Finishing is his problem. He would have been a 1st rounder if he could finish. He was projected to go in the 2nd round. His projection is as a high-end role player and we have seen every team needs those players.

The key part is THIS team will need them in a few years. If things fall correctly, they will have the high end skill, they’ll need the glue guys. It’s why guys like Berard, Cuylle and now Sykora are good finds for where the team will be in a few years

 

[RangerBoy]

The key part is THIS team will need them in a few years. If things fall correctly, they will have the high end skill, they’ll need the glue guys. It’s why guys like Berard, Cuylle and now Sykora are good finds for where the team will be in a few years

Those players are very expensive to acquire. TB traded two first round picks for Coleman and Goodrow. Both of them received huge contracts in free agency. Coleman is kind of overpriced at $4.9M. TB gave up a decent young player in Joseph for Paul. TB gave Paul 7 years and $3.15M. No state income tax. That's a big deal. Colorado gave up a former first round pick in Justin Barron and 2nd round pick for Lehkonen. Sakic paid a big price. Lehkonen was a key player on their team.

The Rangers are better off drafting these players. Cuylle and Sykora are 2nd round picks. You're not getting a 1st or 2nd line player in the 2nd round. It happens sometimes. The Rangers just need them to middle of the lineup players. Berard is a lottery pick. 5th round pick. That's a bonus. Hagelin was a 6th in 2007. The Rangers just need him to be a middle of the player.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I don't get this pick. He's an ok middle-bottom 6 prospect, another slow, defensive type of forward, all be it with a good shot. But I really don't see the upside compared to a few of the centers that were taken after him at least, which we need. At least if he was going to pick a winger, there were some higher ceiling wingers still available too.

But as far as centers, particularly Kaskimaki, Adam Ingram or Aiden Thompson, the latter two who I think could really blow up in college.

McConnel_barker seems like a decent pick for late 3rd. But really would have preferred one of the above 3 over Sykora.

Albeit is one word.

 

[bobbop]

I don't get this pick. He's an ok middle-bottom 6 prospect, another slow, defensive type of forward, all be it with a good shot. But I really don't see the upside compared to a few of the centers that were taken after him at least, which we need. At least if he was going to pick a winger, there were some higher ceiling wingers still available too.

But as far as centers, particularly Kaskimaki, Adam Ingram or Aiden Thompson, the latter two who I think could really blow up in college.

McConnel_barker seems like a decent pick for late 3rd. But really would have preferred one of the above 3 over Sykora.

Where do you get slow from?

Look i`m fine if anyone doesn`t like the picks. But please READ or LISTEN to scouting reports if you don`t know the player(s).

Here some scouting reports just for everyone who has to complaine...

"Sykora is a speedy forward who likes to be around the puck. His game is all about playing in a high-tempo and competing hard.”(Miroslav Simurka, FC Hockey)

From the EliteProspectDraftGuide:
His speed, especially, will create opportunities for him. Even in the NHL, opponents will have to watch out for him – he could turn an interception or a stick-lift into an odd-man rush the other way on a moment’s notice.
Sýkora’s high pace of play, speed, developed physical skills and balance, and perpetual defensive engagement will likely make him a late Day 1 or early Day 2 pick at the NHL draft.

I also don`t like the later rounds drafts that much, but I read the reports or watch some videos to build my own oppinion and don`t arguement with wrong facts.

You do know what his other handle is, don’t you?

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Where do you get slow from?

Well, it sure isn't from watching him play.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

What moron said he was slow? Lol.

I've ingested as much video as I could find on him over the last 24 hours and while I don't think he's as fast as some of the reports make him seem, he's very far from slow. His acceleration is actually pretty damn near top tier. I imagine that as he gets stronger he'll get faster and be able to keep (or even increase) the separation he is already able to generate.

I'm actually excited to see what he looks like when his body catches up with the rest of his game.

 

[bobbop]

Well, it sure isn't from watching him play.

Rule #1 - watch.
Rule #2 - if you can watch, read

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

I'm old enough to remember when this board was seriously pissed with the Stepan pick.

 

[JimmyG89]

Sounds a lot like Ondrej Palat. We need that kind of player. This Slovak group is supremely talented. Top 2 picks in the draft.

Any idea if he is heading to the CHL or if he will stay in Europe?

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Rule #1 - watch.
Rule #2 - if you can watch, read

Could be worse. There are Ranger fans on Facebook who call him soft just because he's European.

Sounds a lot like Ondrej Palat. We need that kind of player. This Slovak group is supremely talented. Top 2 picks in the draft.

Any idea if he is heading to the CHL or if he will stay in Europe?

Last week he said that he will leave that up to the team that drafts him. I am sure they will have conversations. He was the 1st overall pick in the CHL Import Draft a week ago, and would go to the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL if he goes.

But with how young he is, an extra year in Tipos isn't terrible either.

 

[JimmyG89]

Last week he said that he will leave that up to the team that drafts him. I am sure they will have conversations. He was the 1st overall pick in the CHL Import Draft a week ago, and would go to the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL if he goes.

Slovak league isn't the worst place for him to develop for another year. Probably a 4 year trajectory for him. I'd see if an SHL team would be interested next summer. Finnish league would work too. Gets the away from family perspective, but not as far as being across the globe.

D+1: Slovak
D+2: SHL/Finland
D+3: AHL
D+4: NHL

 

[tobu]

Slovak league isn't the worst place for him to develop for another year. Probably a 4 year trajectory for him. I'd see if an SHL team would be interested next summer. Finnish league would work too. Gets the away from family perspective, but not as far as being across the globe.

D+1: Slovak
D+2: SHL/Finland
D+3: AHL
D+4: NHL

I'm thinking he'll stay one more year in Nitra (Slovakia) with high icetime on the second line probably. To the uninformed Rangers, Nitra is where no.2 pick Simon Nemec played his last two seasons with big icetime and he is close to NHL ready (likely 1year in AHL). Slovak league has become a great development league for D, D+1 before a season in AHL.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Slovak league isn't the worst place for him to develop for another year. Probably a 4 year trajectory for him. I'd see if an SHL team would be interested next summer. Finnish league would work too. Gets the away from family perspective, but not as far as being across the globe.

D+1: Slovak
D+2: SHL/Finland
D+3: AHL
D+4: NHL

That's a pretty good career path IMO.

The Swedish system (SHL and HA) has been a good league for players from smaller countries to develop.

Anže Kopitar, David Pastrňák, Moritz Seider, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Jakub Vrána, Kevin Fiala, Martin Fehérváry are just a couple of examples.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I'm thinking he'll stay one more year in Nitra (Slovakia) with high icetime on the second line probably. To the uninformed Rangers, Nitra is where no.2 pick Simon Nemec played his last two seasons with big icetime and he is close to NHL ready (likely 1year in AHL). Slovak league has become a great development league for D, D+1 before a season in AHL.

My preference would be for him to stay overseas.

I think hes making the jump to the WHL though. He was taken 1OA in the import draft and I dont think that would happen if they didnt feel pretty good about getting him to come over.

 

[tobu]

My preference would be for him to stay overseas.

I think hes making the jump to the WHL though. He was taken 1OA in the import draft and I dont think that would happen if they didnt feel pretty good about getting him to come over.

From a interview in Slovak media 3 weeks ago, quoting with a loose translation:
"I still have a contract with Nitra and currently the way I see it is that I want to stay there. I have been given lots of icetime, something I did not expect before the season and for which I am grateful.

If the team that picks me in the draft says I should go play there or there, then I will likely change the team, assuming Nitra releases me from under the contract."

edit: Clubs he interviewed at Combine aparently told him they'd like to see him in north american junior leagues next season.

source: Exkluzívna spoveď 17-ročného Adama Sýkoru: Tieto dva tímy NHL o mňa prejavili záujem | TVNOVINY.sk

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I'm old enough to remember when this board was seriously pissed with the Stepan pick.

I'm old enough where it saddens me that 2008 requires you to qualify as being old enough to remember.

 

[mike14]

I'm old enough to remember when this board was seriously pissed with the Stepan pick.

This board was seriously pissed with the Othmann pick 12 months ago...
Some of the reactions in his draft thread were hilariously bad and over the top

 

[Tiger Trauma]

I hope next year he plays for Medicine Hat.

Former NHL Coach Willie Desjardins took over last year and did an overhaul of the Medicine Hat system with young players. They basically tanked for a prospect who looks to be comparable to connor bedard.

Desjardins is known for coaching smaller speedy forwards. If you want to develop his offensive game and offensive instincts he is probably one of the best coaches you could pair him with.

Desjardins discovered and helped develop Derek Dorsett who seems like a very similar style of player. Incredibly feisty and hard to play against type played a couple years for the rangers back in 2012 to 2014