Jan Skok (D, L, 6’0″, 192, HC Plzen, 10/31/2006)
Jan Skok is a 6’0″, 192-pound left-shot defenseman who split the 2024/25 season between HC Plzen in the Czech Extraliga (men’s top league), their U20 affiliate, and the Czechia U20 national team. He played 28 games in the Extraliga, logging limited minutes in a depth role (9:11 TOI/game) with just 1 point and 8 penalty minutes. His U20 production was more substantial — 9 points in 9 games and a +7 rating — while averaging over 21 minutes per night. He also appeared in 20 games for Czechia internationally, serving in a physical, low-event defensive role.
Why Skok Should Be Drafted
Trusted Defensive Role in a Men’s League as a Young Defenseman
Earning regular ice time in 28 games in the Czech Extraliga as a 2006-born defenseman is notable. Though his usage was limited (mostly 5-on-5), it speaks to his coachability and ability to play within structure against professional competition. His even strength zone time (PIA: 3:53 / PID: 3:51) — he’s trusted with low-risk, balanced deployment.
Strong Passing and Puck Management
Across all levels, Skok maintained strong passing numbers (85–87% pass completion rate), showing poise and puck-moving efficiency in a quick striking offensive transition game. He doesn’t force plays, and in the U20 league he moved pucks quickly out of the zone with limited mistakes (1.0 giveaway/game).
Reliable in Defensive Structure
Skok’s puck battle metrics (50–63% win rate) and defensive zone reads were dependable, particularly in international play where he led Czechia’s U20 team in battle win percentage. His consistent shot-blocking (2.3/game in U20 league) and steady off-puck positioning (6 takeaways/game in U20) — a defense-first mindset and willingness to sacrifice.
Translatable, No-Frills Game
Skok plays a simple, efficient game that doesn’t break down under pressure. He is rarely caught out of position, limits east-west movement, and competes in net-front situations without panicking. His low-event, steady presence could translate well in a bottom-pairing or penalty-killing role at higher levels.
Why Skok May Not Be Drafted
Limited Offensive Impact at Pro Level
Despite high offensive usage at the U20 level (2:33 PP time/game), Skok generated just 1 point in 28 games at the Extraliga level and had minimal impact on the power play in international play (0 PSP, 0 SC%). His lack of deception and pre-shot puck movement (0 PSP/game) suggests a ceiling as a defensive defenseman only.
Physicality and Aggression Do Not Match Frame
At 6’0″, 192 pounds, Skok has the thick frame to play with more edge. However, he averaged fewer than 0.5 hits per game across all settings, and often absorbed more contact than he delivered. His 150 penalty minutes in 2023/24 while playing U20 raise concerns about undisciplined moments without adding much intimidation.
Low Offensive Creation Under Pressure
Despite being efficient in his own zone, Skok does not create offense from his transitions. His 0% SC% and just 0.07–0.12 penalties drawn per game reflect a lack of dynamic puck-driving ability. He rarely generates offensive-zone entries with purpose or deception.
No Clear Special Teams Role Projection
While used sparingly on both special teams across all levels, Skok did not distinguish himself as a power play puck mover or a shutdown penalty killer. His lack of shot volume and offensive creativity (1.14 shots/game in Extraliga, 0 PSP/game across all settings) suggest he may be a 5-on-5 depth defenseman only.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: AHL defenseman with penalty kill potential; NHL ceiling as a bottom-pair shutdown defenseman with a penalty killing mentality.
Development Track: 1–2 more years in Czech Extraliga in a larger role followed by transition to AHL for 2+ years of strength training, physicality development, and faster puck movement under North American pressure.
Draft Range: 7th Round
Verdict: Skok is a low-ceiling, low-risk draft option with a strong defensive foundation and proven ability to handle structured minutes against older competition. While his lack of offensive upside limits his ceiling, his high compete level, passing consistency, and shot-blocking give him utility as a future bottom-pair shutdown defenseman. Teams seeking system-compliant, mobile defensive depth late in the draft should consider Skok as a developmental project.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images