George Komadoski (D, R, 6’4″, 211, Flint Firebirds, 08/03/2008, Notre Dame)
Komadoski is a 6’4”, 211-pound right-shot defenseman who is a physically mature, defensive-minded defender with a mature, responsible approach. He plays steady, low-risk hockey and is trusted defensively, averaging 12:20 of total ice time per game, including 1:21 on the penalty kill. He is not used on the power play, reflecting his current usage as a depth, stay-at-home defender. His posture, length, and active stick detail are assets in denying entries and clearing space in front of his net, but his physical game has yet to match his frame. He is giving just 0.56 hard hits per game while absorbing nearly triple that amount (1.56 against), signaling the need to play with more assertiveness, intimidation and leverage.
| Category | Result | Evaluation |
| TOI / PP / PK | 12:20 / 0:00 / 1:21 | Depth usage; secondary PK minutes |
| Hard Hits (Given / Taken) | 0.56 / 1.56 | Needs to initiate more contact, reduce absorbed hits |
| Shot Attempts / SOG | 1.56 / 0.67 blocked / 0.22 missed | Low offensive generation; selective shooting |
| 50/50 Win % | 47% | Needs stronger posture, better compete in puck battles |
| Pass Completion % | 90% | Excellent; clean, safe decisions under pressure |
| Takeaways / Giveaways | 4.3 / 2.1 | Excellent puck protection instincts and awareness |
| Loose Puck Recoveries | 3 | Good anticipation, active support presence |
Reasons to Draft
Komadoski owns the prototypical NHL frame with balance and reach that translate well defensively. He processes play quickly in his own end, keeping his routes clean and clearing lanes. His stick position and defensive angles are consistent, allowing him to disrupt plays without chasing hits. The 90% pass completion rate shows his reliability under pressure; he exits with control and rarely forces the puck. His 2:1 takeaway-to-giveaway ratio highlights his high percentage puck management. Komadoski also reads the forecheck early and supports well as a weakside outlet, traits that are required at the highest levels. With his structure and defensive instincts, he already exhibits the foundation of a penalty-killing, stay at home defender capable of steady, mistake free minutes.
Reasons Not to Draft
Despite his size and strength, Komadoski’s physical impact remains limited as we feel he’s initiating too little contact relative to his frame. His 47% battle win rate and low hit totals show a clear need to play heavier and close quicker. His skating remains an area for focused development; foot speed, pivots, and first-step explosiveness are areas to watch. Offensively, he contributes minimally and rarely activates into the rush as the second wave. Without more assertiveness, physically or offensively, he risks being a passive presence. We feel he must develop more urgency in his overall game to handle the pace of stronger, faster competition.
Projection
Komadoski projects as a third-pair, defensive specialist with penalty-killing upside. His value lies in structure, length, and reliability, but for that to translate to the NHL, he’ll need to improve his physical engagement and explosiveness. With his size, defensive IQ, and consistent decision making, he could develop into a safe, low-risk, right-shot depth defenseman capable of stabilizing a pairing if he increases his assertiveness and pace.
Draft Recommendation
Target Range: 7th Round
Neutral Zone Grade Equivalent: c
Komadoski’s foundation of size, discipline, and defensive detail make him a potential value pick for teams seeking a projectable, right-shot stay at home defenseman. He’s a long-term development player whose success will hinge on skating and consistent physical engagement.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images