Adam Jiricek (D, R, 6’3″, 178, HC Plzen, 06/28/2006)
2024 NHL Draft Grade: A
Season stats 2023/24
Games played: 42
Goals: 1
Assists: 10
Points: 11
+/-: -12
Penalty time: 06:00
Penalty time against: 41:00
Average per game
Time on ice: 17:09
Power play time: 02:44
Short-handed time: 01:27
Shots: 3.8
Shots on goal, %: 47%
Puck battles: 11
Puck battles won, %: 57%
Accurate passes, %: 91%
Hits: 0.57
Hits against: 0.95
Jiricek is a 6’3″, 180 pound right shot defenseman who Neutral Zone has graded with an “A” for the 2024 NHL Draft. He is not an offensive minded and does not come with an offensive highlight reel but during the 23/24 season he has a pass completion percentage of 91% and that is exactly what NHL coaches want on their bench. He is not afraid to engage in physical confrontations showing good leg drive during wall battles and while clearing the crease. At the NHL level he might run power play #1 but he has the skating ability and after a few summers of dedicated off-ice conditioning he will be tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s top offensive unit and playing big minutes while shorthanded.
Czechia vs Canada, August 5, 2023: The most exciting play that Adam made this game came in the defensive end, where he was attempting to break out of the zone, but was being hounded by a Canadian forward. Rather than force a bad pass, or go high off the glass, Adam used his inner edges to circle his own goal, and quickly created considerable space between himself and his opponent. Upon creating the requisite space, Adam was able to start the rush and make an accurate pass to a teammate. Adam currently projects as a middle or bottom-pairing defender at the NHL level. He doesn’t quite have the offensive instincts requisite to be a top-pairing defender, but he is an average straight-line and backwards skater for this level of play, and will be able to hold his own at the NHL level. Defensively, Adam won pucks in the defensive end, able to use his size and strength to win battles and control the puck along the wall. When defending the rush, he controlled the gap well with his skating, and stole pucks with his stick. He routinely made strong passes out of his own zone, and occasionally followed the play up by hopping into the rush. In the offensive zone, he isn’t quite as dynamic and natural as other top defenders in this age group, but he was able to activate off the line with the puck at times, and displayed a heavy shot from the point.
Czechia vs Canada, November 5, 2022: Adam was very solid for his team in the 2 viewings we witnessed. He is a good skating right defenseman who is very quick with his early strides and gets the jump on opponents on races to the puck. He defends with good tight gap in the neutral zone and utilizes excellent backwards mobility and quick stick to break up a lot of passes. His work down low in his end was solid. He knows where to put himself to be on the defensive side of his man and boxes out effectively. In corners and battles behind net he would use his physicality as well, although more of a physical presence would assist in his development. His quickness was really beneficial on the penalty kill as he was able to get out quickly and take away shot lanes and pass lanes from his opponent. Offensively he displayed a nice puck touch, deft and knows just how much zip to put on passes. Offensively he showed some potential. He moves his feet constantly on the offensive blueline making himself available as a pass option. He made a couple nice quick pinches down the offensive boards to keep pucks in, and he sets himself up on the left side of the powerplay for 1-timers from the side as a right shot shooter.
Player Evaluation by Brian Murphy:
Adam showcased solid defensive abilities and displayed potential offensive contributions in the two viewings observed. As a right defenseman, he demonstrated good skating skills, particularly with his quick early strides that allowed him to outpace opponents in races to the puck. His defensive game is characterized by tight gap control in the neutral zone and effective utilization of his backwards mobility and quick stick to disrupt passes.
Defensive Skills: In defensive situations, Adam exhibits strong positioning and physicality, effectively boxing out opponents and engaging in battles along the boards and behind the net. While his physical presence is noted, further development in this area could enhance his overall game. His quickness proved advantageous on the penalty kill, enabling him to swiftly block shooting and passing lanes.
Offensive Contributions: Offensively, Adam displays a deft puck touch and adept passing ability, knowing the appropriate amount of zip to put on his passes. He remains active on the offensive blue line, constantly moving his feet to create passing options. Additionally, he demonstrates willingness to pinch down the offensive boards to maintain possession and positions himself effectively for one-timers on the powerplay.
NHL Projection: Projected as a middle or bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level, Adam possesses adequate skating abilities suitable for professional play. While not projected as a top-pairing defenseman, his defensive acumen and potential offensive contributions make him a valuable asset for any NHL roster.
Summary: Adam’s performances demonstrate his potential as a reliable defenseman capable of contributing on both ends of the ice. With further development, particularly in his physicality and offensive instincts, he has the capacity to become a valuable asset for his team’s defensive structure and offensive transition. While his role may primarily be in a middle or bottom-pairing capacity, his defensive prowess and puck-moving skills make him a valuable addition to any NHL roster.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images