| David Moravec | BK Mlada Boleslav U20 | Czech U20 | R | D | 6’0″ | 190 | Havlickuv Brod | 2003 | 2021-2022: B- |
Ian Moran’s Thoughts: Moravec is a solidly built left shot defender who as a late 2003 plays big minutes for Team Czechia’s U20 team. He has the puck skills and skating ability to play an impactful game from both the left or right side. In defensive zone transition I like how he works with his partner to be an outlet and he has very nice touch on his indirect passes or reverses. Even though he is much more active offensively in U20 action than in the Czechia professional league, I do not see him as a guy who’s going to run a number 1 power play. I do see him as a potential NHL defender who excels on the offensive side of transition and has a nice combination of skating ability and strength that will allow him to defend at an NHL level. His passes are on time. He doesn’t put his forwards in vulnerable positions by trying to do too much with the puck and then giving them a panic pass when they can get killed. He will obviously need to continue gaining strength and power, but during net front battles Moravec is strong and shows the leg drive to win the valuable net front ice and drive opponents from the crease.
U18: Team Czechia vs Team Finland, May 2, 2021: Moravec had a quality game for his team, as the defenseman registered a goal and an assist in the contest. On his goal, Moravec made a great shot fake at the point, beat his opponent down the wall and fired a low wrist shot through traffic that found its way into the back of the net. He made a similar play early in the game that led to his assist after that shot left a juicy rebound in front for his teammate to play. Throughout the night Moravec did a good job of reading the play in front of him and timing his steps to meet passes. He created multiple turnovers in the neutral zone and on the offensive blueline, which helped his team create some transition offence. Defensively, Moravec was decent in his own zone. He is beatable, but was solid positionally for the most part and consistently won puck battles. Overall, he had a quality game for his team and helped contribute offence from the back end. Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images