Mario Patalakha (D, L, 6’1″, 210, Neftekhmik Nizhnekamsk, 09/03/2005)
Mario Patalakha is a physically mature, two-way defenseman with pro-level size and elite puck-moving instincts who played 39 KHL games this season and 7 games in 2023/24— an impressive feat given he was the youngest defenseman on his team by over three years this season. He logged nearly 25 minutes per game in the MHL, showing poise, heavy usage on both special teams, and high-end puck distribution. Patalakha brings a lot of translatable pro tools in terms of strength, hockey sense, and defensive commitment, but he is still raw offensively and needs to develop his shot, first-step quickness, and ability to manage risk at pace.
Why Mario Patalakha Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Logged Regular Minutes in the KHL at 18
Patalakha played 39 games in the Kontinental Hockey League — the second-best league in the world — and didn’t look out of place. He saw 14:13 TOI per game, was used in a PK role, and finished the year with only 6 PIMs, showing calm under pressure and an understanding of structure. His 1.69 blocked shots/game ranked among the most committed shot blockers on his team.
2) Elite Passing Vision and Execution
Patalakha’s 96% pass completion rate in the MHL and 87% in the KHL are elite marks, especially for a defenseman who touches the puck this often. His 2.3 pre-shot passes/game and 10 takeaways/game in junior play speak to a defender who thinks quickly, moves pucks decisively, and initiates zone exits with pace and intelligence.
3) Strong Defensive Details and Competitiveness
His 11.67 takeaways recoveries/game and 3.6 shot blocks/game in the MHL demonstrate a willingness to engage physically and do anything to win. Despite not throwing a ton of big hits, he consistently finished plays, maintained net-side body positioning, and played with grit in net-front and wall situations.
4) High-End Anticipation
His 1.67 puck recoveries after shots/game in the MHL and 7 puck battles/game in the KHL (54% win rate) indicate elite-level anticipation and a willingness to battle. He recognizes pressure points quickly and disrupts plays with an active stick and good spatial reads — particularly off the rush.
Why Mario Patalakha Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Shot Threat is Extremely Limited
Across 55 games (MHL + KHL), he scored 4 goals and converted 2% of his 2.6 Grade A chances/game. His shot lacks deception, power, and quickness — and his 1.23 shots blocked/game in the MHL and 0.83 shots missed or blocked per game in the KHL point to a release that telegraphs and lacks pop.
2) Struggles to Drive Offense at the KHL Level
Despite excellent possession numbers in junior, Patalakha was mostly a neutral zone relay in the KHL. His 0.54 pre-shot passes/game and lack of offensive zone impact (just 3 points) — he’s not yet capable of moving the puck with purpose at high pace under pro pressure.
3) Below-Average First Step and Transition Speed
While he has good straight-line skating once moving, his first step and lateral quickness are still works in progress while in high-speed defensive rotations. There are moments where he gets caught chasing or pivoting late due to lack of acceleration.
4) Doesn’t Leverage Size Consistently
Although 6’1″, 212 lbs, Patalakha had just 0.49 hits/game and an underwhelming 46% puck battle win rate in the MHL. His strength shows up in net-front work and wall ties, but he’s not an intimidating presence, and his physical game is more passive than assertive.
Projection & Development Outlook
Player Projection: Bottom-pair NHL defenseman with upside to be a top-4 defensive specialist with continued development of explosiveness and shot improvement.
Development Path: Two full seasons in the AHL, ideally in an environment with consistent top-four minutes. Could be NHL-ready by 2027.
Draft Recommendation: 3rd–4th Round
Patalakha has played significant KHL minutes while most of his peers were playing junior hockey and he put up elite passing numbers during his time in the MHL (96% pass completion %). The combination of physical maturity, defensive reliability, and professional experience makes him a solid bet in the middle rounds of the draft. If he can make small improvements in pace, agility, and shot execution, his toolkit fits well into a modern NHL blue line. For teams willing to be patient with a steady, September 2005 defender — Patalakha represents a safe value pick with middle-pairing NHL upside.