Jakub Hes (C, L, 6’2″, 172, Youngstown Phantoms, 12/30/2006, Nebraska Omaha)
Jakub Hes is a versatile, left-shot forward standing 6’2″ and 172 pounds, capable of playing center or either wing, currently with the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL. A 2006-born Czech native, Hes put together a strong rookie season in the USHL, recording 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 60 games while finishing with an impressive +26 rating (2nd best on the team), indicative of his strong two-way game. Averaging 13:01 of ice time per game, Hes was deployed primarily as an even-strength and penalty-kill specialist (2:10 PK/game), with limited power play usage (0:22/game).
Statistically, Hes consistently shows a mature, responsible game. He wins 53% of his puck battles, carries a strong 86% passing accuracy, and has an excellent 23% Grade A scoring chance conversion rate — he doesn’t generate high volume, he makes the most of his opportunities. His puck retrieval skills (1.16 loose puck recoveries/game) and takeaway numbers (3.5/game) further emphasize his value away from the puck.
Why Hes Should Be Drafted
1) Mature, Two-Way Game with Strong Defensive Habits
Hes consistently shows defensive off-puck awareness and commitment. His +26 rating and reliable penalty-killing usage demonstrate that he can be trusted without the puck — a rare trait for a young forward, especially one adjusting to North American ice.
2) Strong Physical Engagement and Puck Battle Success
Despite weighing only 172 pounds, Hes wins 53% of his puck battles and plays with a willingness to engage physically, tying up opponents along the boards and competing hard in net-front battles. His size and strength will only become more effective as he adds muscle.
3) Efficient Offense with Smart Decision-Making
Although not a volume scorer, Hes finishes efficiently (23% of his scoring chances) and has a good passing sense (86% accuracy). His play away from the puck — making himself a consistent net-front and forechecking threat — opens opportunities that he often capitalizes on with intelligent decisions.
4) Positional Flexibility
Hes can play center or either wing, providing versatility for coaches. His face-off win rate (54%) is a positive sign that he could handle center duties at higher levels, particularly in match-up or penalty-killing roles.
Why Hes May Not Be Drafted
1) Limited Offensive Upside and Creativity
Hes averaged just 1.24 shot attempts per game and produced only 0.36 pre-shot passes/game — limited offensive dynamism. His game is more about smart, simple high percentage plays than creativity or dynamic puck movement.
2) Needs to Add Strength and Explosiveness
At 172 pounds, Hes is wiry for a player of his size. To succeed in the National League, he must add overall body strength and improve explosiveness, particularly to become more impactful off the rush and in board battles.
3) Below-Average Shot Volume
While efficient, his limited shot generation (0.77 scoring chances per game) raises concerns about whether he can consistently create offense against stronger, faster competition.
4) No Clear Special Teams Identity Yet
Though used on the penalty kill, Hes has yet to carve out a true specialty role (limited PP usage) that NHL teams often look for in bottom-six forward prospects.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Two-way bottom-six NHL forward; match-up center or defensive winger
Development Track: One more USHL season to continue adding strength and offensive assertiveness, followed by two to three NCAA seasons to build out his physicality, shot volume, and role flexibility.
Draft Range: Late 6th–7th Round
Verdict: Hes profiles as a smart, reliable late-round draft target for teams seeking versatile, two-way forwards with strong defensive instincts, physical competitiveness, and efficient offensive habits. His combination of size, hockey IQ, and positional versatility gives him a realistic pathway to becoming a bottom-six NHL depth player with penalty-kill utility if his physical development and offensive assertiveness continue on their current trajectory.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images