Andreas Straka (C, L, 6’1″, 190, Quebec Remparts, 07/04/2007)
Andreas Straka is a 2007-born winger with a balanced mix of size, competitiveness, and playmaking ability. He was a key contributor for Slovakia at both the U18 World Championship and Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and played a prominent top-six role in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts. While he has shown flashes of skill and awareness in all three zones, Straka’s profile presents an ongoing debate between projection and production, as his current puck skills and decision-making don’t consistently match his physical tools or output.
Why Straka Should Be Drafted
- Strong Frame and Work Ethic at a Projectable Size
At 6’1″, 190 lbs, Straka fits the physical profile NHL teams look for in wingers. He uses his size effectively in puck battles (averaging 15 battles/game) and shows a willingness to go to the hard areas of the ice. His effort off the puck and commitment to defensive responsibilities—particularly on the penalty kill—are traits that lend themselves well to a pro development environment. - Power Play IQ and Offensive Zone Creativity
Straka logged 3:12 of power play time per game and was fourth on a low-scoring Quebec team in assists (25). His play below the dots—executing seam passes or getting open for backdoor opportunities—shows he can contribute and understands off-puck offensive movement. He also uses his edges and puck protection well along the wall to extend possession. His 0.89 pre-shot passes per game and strong offensive positioning suggest a support-style winger who can complement higher-skill linemates. - International Production and Competitive Edge
Straka was a consistent producer at international events, including four points in four games at the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. His performance showed competitiveness against top-tier nations, highlighted by his forecheck pressure, wall play, and puck retrieval. His play was particularly effective against Sweden and Canada, where he consistently created second-chance opportunities. He has also shown leadership traits and a detailed game away from the puck, including stick-lifts, shot-blocking, and well-timed support on both sides of puck possession.
Why Straka Should Not Be Drafted
- Inefficient Shooter and Inconsistent Finishing Ability
Despite nearly 18 minutes of average TOI and favorable offensive zone usage (8:04 per game), Straka scored just nine goals in 53 QMJHL games. His shooting percentage on Grade ‘A’ chances sits at 10%, a red flag for a player with pro size and ample power play time. He averages only 1.85 shots per game and often defers, lacking the release and deception to consistently beat goaltenders at range. - Struggles with Strength on Puck and Decision-Making Under Pressure
While Straka shows good anticipation (2.1 puck retrievals/game), his puck management is a concern—averaging 5.9 giveaways per game, often due to forcing low-percentage passes or holding onto the puck too long in transition limiting his options. His 79% passing accuracy is low for a player logging heavy PP time and being relied upon for offensive creation. Additionally, his 47% puck battle win rate indicates a need for more core stability, overall strength and better leverage, especially considering his size. - Lack of Play-Driving Traits
Straka is often a passenger on his line rather than the driver. Despite his respectable assist totals, his pre-shot pass rate (0.89) and battle win rate don’t indicate he’s the one generating chances through primary creation. He needs to improve quick reads in the offensive zone and build confidence to be a more assertive offensive player.
Projection and Recommendation
Projection:
Bottom-six depth winger who can contribute on the PK and as a support piece at even strength. Possesses the frame, motor, and awareness to develop into a checking-line forward, but will need to improve deception, shooting habits, and puck protection to justify NHL projection.
Draft Grade:
7th Round Consideration
Straka’s blend of size, compete level, and international experience puts him in the mix for teams looking to develop a role-playing winger with untapped offensive upside. He doesn’t currently possess a dynamic trait that separates him from peers, but he brings enough detail and effort to be worth a long-term project slot.
Development Priorities:
Improve core strength and lower-body leverage to absorb contact and win more battles.
Increase offensive assertiveness—develop a shooter’s mentality and polish shot mechanics.
Enhance puck protection and simplify puck movement under pressure to reduce turnovers.
Elevate stride extension and acceleration to improve transition impact.
Verdict:
Andreas Straka shows flashes of what NHL teams value—size, effort, defensive detail, and versatility—but his inefficiency in puck management and lack of standout offensive tools temper the projection. He’ll appeal to teams looking for longer-term, system-fit development wingers who compete hard and can contribute in specialized roles.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images