Tomas Mazura (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, 2019 Pick #162 Edmonton Oilers, NHL Grade — C+) Forward
Tomas turned his soft hands, elite offensive instincts and a four inch growth spurt into not just being an NHL prospect, but into every hockey player’s dream… being an honest to goodness NHL Draft Pick. He was selected in this past draft by The Edmonton Oilers in the 6th Round and his journey is really just starting now. We all know that being a draft pick does not mean an NHL career, but right now the Providence College commit certainly has a head start. So we’re going to take a look back at our evaluations to help us learn about Tomas’ future.
(1) Brain – Offensively Tomas thinks the game at a very high level. He reads gaps well and has the ability to put opposing defensemen in awkward positions where he can take advantage of them with his long reach. Although he has the ability to beat defenders 1 on 1, he is clever enough to delay or escape creating quick 2 on 1 situations that allow for higher percentage scoring opportunities. Although he projects as a winger, Tomas is reliable in the defensive zone. He provides low support on clean breakouts as well as broken plays that result in quick transition.
(2) Vision & Poise – Tomas is poised with and without the puck. He does not rush plays and has the vision to find late attackers as well as defenseman who crash the net during a cycle.
(3) Feet – For a young big man Tomas is surprisingly smooth. He has good technique and nice top end speed. We feel that he will need to continue developing his quickness and lateral movements, but considering he’s grown approximately 4 inches in a relatively short period of time it will not surprise us if Tomas skates like a different player by the time he turns Pro.
(4) Compete & Effort – If Tomas puts forth his best effort every game for Kimball Union this winter we feel he will approach 70 points.
(5) Contact or Physicality – Tomas is long and strong. He uses his physical attributes very well during the cycle or in defensive zone battles near his net. He is not a punishing hitter, but he will take smart angles and eliminate players.
(6) Release – He shoots the puck quickly and accurately. We would like to see him move his feet and shoot through screens more consistently because these are the types of opportunities he will generate as he plays at higher levels.
(7) One Timer Ability – This is still a developing skill for Tomas. If the pass arrives flat and in his wheel house he will fire a bullet, but as with many big young men he is still searching for an expanded shooting zone while one timing a poor pass.
(8) Body Language – We would like to see him be more supportive of his teammates.
(9) Special Teams Potential – A 6’4 190lbs forward with soft hands will have every opportunity to be a net front or goal line presence on a professional power play unit. We do not see Tomas as a penalty killer in the National League.
(10) Intangibles – He came to the United States as a 5’11 wide eyed Czech with a lot to learn and something to prove. Now, he is able to physically dominate and intimidate most of his peers. It will be interesting to see if his intimidation will continue into Junior, college and professional hockey.