Conrad Fondrk (C, L, 6’0″, 193, NTDP U18, 06/01/2007, Boston University)
Conrad Fondrk is a strong-framed, two-way center who brings versatility, above-average puck skills, and a heavy release. Serving as an assistant captain on the NTDP U18 squad, Fondrk plays in all situations and has established himself as a player coaches trust. His tools are pro-adjacent—size, strength, touch, defensive awareness—but he hasn’t consistently produced high-end offense to match his usage. He has the puck skill to make plays in tight, the frame to play center or wing at higher levels, and the character and hockey sense to hold down a bottom-six NHL role, but he will need to become a more consistent play driver to rise beyond that projection.
Case For Drafting Conrad Fondrk:
- Strong Foundation Physically and Positionally
At 6’0″, 195 lbs, Fondrk is well-built and already strong on his skates. He takes 13 faceoffs per game and wins 50%—a strong sign that as he gains strength he can be counted on to win key defensive zone face-offs. His 0.79 hits/game, 47% win rate in puck battles, and 3.1 takeaways/game reinforce that he competes physically and reads the game well. - Above-Average Hands and Puck Touch
Fondrk consistently demonstrates a soft first touch and the ability to handle tough passes at speed. His 0.67 completed passes per game that lead directly to Grade “A” chances is a good number and shows his ability to create when he’s not finishing himself. He is comfortable in traffic, doesn’t panic under pressure, and uses deception well in the offensive zone. - Trusted in All Situations
Averaging 2:01 on the power play and 1:42 shorthanded, Fondrk is relied upon in every situation for one of the top development programs in the world. His coaches clearly trust his awareness and detail to execute structure at both ends. - Heavy, Quick Release
He generates 1.63 Grade “A” chances per game, and while his 13% shooting percentage on those chances is only average, his snapshot release is hard and compact. He can beat goaltenders clean from the high slot and excels at catching and releasing pucks in stride. - Leader on and off the Ice
Named an assistant captain, Fondrk’s leadership, work ethic, and approach to team structure stand out. He’s a character player with strong intangibles and is always near the play, even if he’s not finishing every chance.
Case Against Drafting Conrad Fondrk:
- Production Does Not Match Opportunity
Despite playing top-six minutes and power play time, Fondrk has just 27 points in 40 games—a steep drop from other NTDP forwards. With the team’s scoring leader at 53 points, this gap raises questions about offensive upside and play-driving ceiling at higher levels. - Hot/Cold Consistency and Decision-Making
Neutral Zone evaluations have consistently described him as “hot and cold,” Fondrk can disappear for long stretches. He shows flashes—highlight-reel plays in transition or net drives—but struggles to string them together over multiple games. His 4.3 giveaways per game is a concern for a player who has the puck as often as he does. - Doesn’t Separate with Speed
Fondrk is a strong skater, but not an explosive one. His stride is long, but he lacks the burst or change of pace to consistently pull away from defenders. That limits his effectiveness on odd-man rushes and in transition which is how offense is produced in the National League. - Shot Volume Needs to Increase
He averages 3.5 shot attempts per game, with only 2.2 hitting the net. His 0.58 shots blocked and 0.71 misses per game are both too high for a player receiving over two minutes per night on the power play. For a player with a heavy shot, he needs to be more efficient and deliberate in how he uses it. - No Clear Offensive Calling Card Yet
Fondrk does many things well, but nothing at a dynamic level. He isn’t an elite skater, scorer, or playmaker—and that makes his NHL upside harder to project. If the puck skill and power game don’t translate, he risks being a “tweener” without a defined role at the pro level.
Projection & Recommendation:
NHL Projection: Bottom-six two-way center/wing with special teams utility.
Draft Range: Middle 3rd to start of the 5th Round.
Comparable: Tyson Jost
Development Timeline: 4 years
Final Recommendation:
Draft Conrad Fondrk as a low-risk, high-character, multi-situation forward with NHL tools but an offensive ceiling that is still developing. His hockey sense, leadership, puck touch, and responsible play make him a coach’s favorite. He may never be a consistent point producer at the NHL level, but he’s the kind of player who can kill penalties, win draws, and play hard playoff minutes once he rounds out his game physically and mentally. His blend of strength, maturity, and utility makes him a worthy selection in the third through fifth rounds. If the offense ever takes a step forward, he’ll be a value pick who carves out an NHL career.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images