Jan Chovan (C, L, 6’2″, 185, Tappara U20, 01/09/2007)
Jan Chovan is a dynamic offensive center with quick game processing, a high hockey IQ, quick-strong puck-handling skills, and a two-way upside. His combination of size, creativity, and poise in possession makes him an intriguing prospect. However, inconsistencies in physical engagement, face-off effectiveness, and still developing explosiveness need to be addressed for him to reach his full potential as an NHL-caliber player.
Strengths
Puck Protection and Playmaking:
Chovan excels in puck protection, using his lower body and frame to shield the puck from defenders.
His ability to keep his head up and identify passing lanes allows him to make creative and clean plays, particularly in the offensive zone and when finding the late guy in transition.
At the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, his playmaking shone, finishing with five assists in four games.
Hockey IQ and Vision:
Chovan has a high hockey IQ, making quick decisions under pressure and showing patience to wait for passing or shooting opportunities.
He reads the game well, especially in the offensive zone, and shows anticipation both with and without the puck.
Offensive Zone Command:
He is difficult to separate from the puck and excels in maintaining possession in high-traffic areas.
His creativity and ability to generate offense from below the goal line or off the cycle make him a consistent threat, and that type of offense translates to the National League.
Versatility and Compete Level:
Chovan competes hard in forechecking and backchecking situations, using his size and reach to disrupt plays.
He’s willing to take hits to make plays, displaying poise under pressure and resilience in high-contact areas.
Shot and Release:
While more of a playmaker, Chovan has a quick release and the ability to get shots off with a defender leaning into him.
Areas for Improvement
Physical Engagement and Consistency in Battles:
Despite his size, Chovan struggles to consistently impose himself physically, winning only 40% of his 50/50 puck battles.
He needs to increase his physical assertiveness to maximize his effectiveness at both ends of the ice. Chovan has the frame to be a match-up nightmare for opposing coaches with increased aggression.
Face-Off Proficiency:
Chovan’s face-off win rate, hovering around 50%, is an area of concern for a center at his level who hopes to be a center in the National League. Improving his technique, power and strength will be critical if he is to remain a center at the professional level.
Skating Explosiveness and Pace:
While Chovan’s skating is above average, at this point he is still developing the explosiveness and top-end speed to consistently create separation. This is particularly noticeable when he is carrying the puck through the neutral zone and backcheckers are able to close on him.
Developing a more powerful stride and improving acceleration through off-ice training will allow him to play with more pace and make him a more dynamic threat.
Turnovers and Defensive Play:
Chovan averages five giveaways per game. This is fine if the giveaways are well placed soft chips that lead to puck pursuit and offensive zone time, but giveaways at the offensive blueline that occur after getting caught from behind are unacceptable.
Shot Utilization:
Chovan generates 2.6 shots on goal per game but has 1.17 of his attempts blocked. Improving his deception and ability to find open lanes will make him a more consistent scoring threat.
Key Development Goals:
Increase Physical Engagement: Improve battle strength and aggression, along with his willingness to assert himself in contested areas.
Enhance Face-Off Ability: Focus on technical improvements and developing strength to win more draws consistently.
Develop Skating Explosiveness: Work on stride power and acceleration to create separation and improve pace.
Refine Decision-Making: Limit turnovers by making quicker, more efficient plays under pressure.
Expand Defensive Impact: Maintain consistent intensity and awareness in all three zones.
If Chovan can address these developmental areas, his skill set and size make him a strong candidate to thrive as a reliable two-way center at the NHL level.
Projection
Jan Chovan projects as a middle-six center with the potential to develop into a strong two-way player. His combination of size, offensive creativity, and hockey IQ gives him a solid foundation, but his NHL ceiling will depend on his ability to address his physical consistency, skating, and defensive reliability.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Chovan is currently projected as a late first early second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. His playmaking ability and two-way upside will attract teams, but questions about his assertiveness and skating may temper expectations.
Player Comparison
Jared McCann – A two-way center/wing with good size, quick processing and hockey IQ, capable of contributing offensively but often relied upon for his defensive responsibility and ability to win key battles.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images