Jan Golicic (D, L, 6’5″, 198, Gatineau Olympiques, 06/30/2006)
2024 NHL Draft Grade: B-
Season stats 2023/24
Games played: 75
Goals: 7
Assists: 29
Points: 36
+/-: -1
Penalty time: 52:00
Penalty time against: 20:00
Average per game
Time on ice: 21:50
Power play time: 02:06
Short-handed time: 02:26
Shots: 3.4
Shots on goal, %: 49%
Puck battles: 11
Puck battles won, %: 62%
Accurate passes, %: 88%
Hits: 0.96
Hits against: 0.68
Golicic is a 6’5″ left-shot defenseman with a lanky build, showcasing promising skating abilities. His deep knee posture suggests potential for increased speed and explosiveness as he continues to develop strength and power through off-ice training. Notably, he displays a fluid stride with fluid lateral movement to maintain tight defensive gaps when defending line rushes.
While Golicic’s puck handling occasionally appears overindulgent and he over complicates decisions, his passes are consistently hard, flat, and accurate. Defensively, he demonstrates strong positioning, using his size and inside edges to clear shooting lanes and maintain strong net-front presence. As a penalty killer, he exhibits disciplined play with an active stick and a willingness to block shots.
Despite his size and skill, he sometimes lacks the physicality and assertiveness necessary for top-level play. This deficiency impacts his ability to consistently contribute effectively in one-on-one battles and defensive zone engagements.
Although Golicic may not attract immediate attention due to his current limitations, his potential for growth and development suggests he could become a valuable asset for an NHL organization. With continued focus on physicality and aggressiveness, Golicic has the potential to emerge as a significant contributor at the professional level, warranting consideration as a potential under-the-radar selection.