Stepan Cerny (D, L, 5’10”, 144, Mountfield HK, 04/26/2007)
Stepan Cerny is an undersized, high-motor, left-shot defenseman with top-tier skating and mobility who plays with poise and creativity from the back end. He logged over 21 minutes per game this season as a top-pair defenseman and power play quarterback for Mountfield HK’s U20 team and was a key contributor on the international stage with Czechia’s U18 team, including the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and U18 World Championship.
Statistical Profile:
Team & League GP G A P PIM +/-
Mountfield HK U20 36 6 27 33 28 +3
Czech U18 National Team 26 2 15 17 8 —
2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup 5 0 2 2 2 —
2025 U18 World Championship 5 0 1 1 0 —
Average per game (U20 League):
TOI: 21:46
PPT / SHT: 3:08 / 1:56
PIA / PID: 9:25 / 7:54
Hits: 0.11
Shots on goal: 1.43
Scoring Chances: 1.27
Puck Battles (C / C%): 11 / 57%
Passing (P% / PSP): 89% / 1.48
Takeaways / Giveaways: 4.3 / 1.72
Blocked Shots: 0.94
Reasons to Draft:
Elite Skating and Agility: Cerny’s edgework, mobility, and acceleration allow him to evade pressure, manage pace from the back end, and close gaps defensively despite his size. His agility and feet give him a clear tool to project upward as a puck mover.
High-End Puck Movement: His 89% pass completion rate and 1.48 pre-shot passes per game reflect advanced vision and poise with the puck. He regularly breaks pressure with deception and moves pucks through seams with pace and touch.
Power Play Quarterback Upside: Cerny handled top PP duties for both club and country. He distributes cleanly from the point, walks the blue line fluidly, and creates time and space using fakes and misdirection. His ability to lead controlled zone entries on the man advantage is an asset.
Effective Under Pressure: Despite limited physical strength, Cerny shows resilience against the forecheck. He can beat the first layer and escape in transition. His quick stick and anticipation allow him to defend effectively without relying on size.
Leadership and Usage: Served as Assistant Captain for Mountfield U20 and played over 21 minutes per game as a 2007-born defenseman in a U20 league—indicating a high level of trust from his coaches.
Reasons for Concern:
Undersized Frame (5’10”, 145 lbs): At 145 pounds, Cerny is well below the average size for NHL defensemen, and he will need multiple years to physically mature. His current weight limits his ability to win net-front battles and handle contact consistently.
Limited Physical Engagement: He averaged only 0.11 hits per game and didn’t show a strong net-front or board presence. While he compensates with positioning and mobility, his lack of size and physicality remains a developmental hurdle.
Urgency Under Pressure: While composed, he can be too casual with puck retrievals under pressure and has been stripped from behind in his own zone. He will need to quicken his decisions, particularly when closing out against forecheckers.
Low Shot Threat: Despite strong offensive zone skills, he averaged just 1.43 shots on goal and 0.20 scoring chances per game, with a 0% conversion rate on scoring chances. He is a distributor more than a shooter, and lacks a threatening point shot.
Projection:
Cerny projects as a modern puck-moving defenseman with second-unit power play upside. His elite mobility, composure, and playmaking give him a chance to play NHL games in a sheltered, offense-tilted role. Physical development, urgency under pressure, and improved shot generation will determine how far he can progress.
Draft Recommendation:
Mid-Round 3rd–4th Round
Cerny has a clear NHL skill set built around skating, puck distribution, and transitional intelligence. His physical limitations will scare some clubs off, but the modern game has room for intelligent, agile defensemen who can move pucks cleanly and support offense. He is a draftable asset with long-term developmental upside.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images