Matej Pekar (C, L, 5’10”, 163, Seattle Thunderbirds, 09/08/2007)
Matej Pekar is an undersized, quick, and offensively-inclined winger whose value lies in his speed, puck skill, and tenacity on the forecheck. He consistently flashes high-end offensive instincts and displays the confidence to attack defenders with the puck, but his impact fluctuates due to inconsistency in compete level and a tendency to play on the perimeter. While his slight frame and engagement level raise concerns, his skating base and skill package warrant a mid-to-late round consideration as a developmental winger with scoring upside.
Why Matej Pekar Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Skating and Puck Skill Are NHL-Projectable
Pekar is one of the quicker players in the WHL draft class, and he combines his skating with sharp puck control, changes in pace and deception in motion. His edges and balance through contact allow him to carry pucks through traffic. He thrives in transition and off the rush—particularly when given space to work the puck into scoring areas (which can be viewed as a negative since there is no space in the NHL). His 4.2 shot attempts/game, 2.4 SOG/game, and 1.67 scoring chances/game reflect a player who consistently gets into dangerous ice with the puck.
2) Power Play Asset With Clean Mechanics
He logged 2:29 of power play time/game, typically on Seattle’s first unit, and made the most of it. He has an above average one-timer and a smooth release, which he’s able to get off from a variety of setups. His shot mechanics are advanced, and although his 11% scoring chance % is below elite conversion levels, it’s a function of shot volume and role rather than inefficiency. He scored 17 goals in 64 games, 4th on the team.
3) Relentless Skater With Edge Work That Creates Separation
Pekar uses his feet to manipulate defenders. He doesn’t have blazing straight-line speed, but he has stop/start explosiveness and strong east-west agility. That footwork allows him to win races to loose pucks (1.94 puck recoveries/game) and escape checks with deception. He’s an effective forechecker when he chooses to be engaged, capable of stripping pucks or forcing turnovers with smart stick placement and anticipation (3.6 takeaways/game).
4) Plays With Edge Despite Lack of Size
He isn’t shy—1.26 hits per game shows competitiveness for a 163-lb winger, and he gets under opponents’ skin. He’ll initiate contact and has the motor to press defenders on the forecheck. He also earned 58 penalty minutes — he’s not afraid to engage physically or emotionally in the game.
5) High-End Touch, Vision, and Deception
His 1.24 pre-shot passes/game shows his ability to connect plays with purpose, especially in short-area offensive zone touches. He handles the puck comfortably on the wall, uses subtle delays to find seams, and regularly shifts defenders to open up passing options.
Why Matej Pekar Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Lack of Size, Strength, and Mass Is a Limiting Factor
At 5’10”, 163 lbs, Pekar is significantly undersized for NHL projection. While he competes, he doesn’t consistently win physical battles (47% 50/50 win%) and can be knocked off pucks against stronger opposition. He gets hit more than he hits a lot for an undersized speedy forward (0.72 H-) and will need to add strength to survive pro contact.
2) Engagement Level Fluctuates Game to Game
There are extended stretches where Pekar plays on the perimeter or fades outside of the dot-lane when he’s not involved in the rush or power play. His inconsistent impact off the cycle does not translate to generating opportunities when playing against National League sized defenders. He can be too passive without the puck, failing to initiate off-puck contact or attack the royal road. This limits his offensive zone time and overall presence.
3) Developing Defensive Utility
He only played 0:21 SH TOI/game, with minimal defensive impact. He’s still a one-dimensional offensive player, not trusted in late-game or shutdown situations. While he has shown flashes of defensive improvement, he’ll need to be more consistent in his effort and awareness to become more than a sheltered winger at the next level.
4) Basic Offensive Decision-Making Limits Ceiling
Despite having the tools to create offense, Pekar often opts for safe, simplistic plays (which can be viewed as a positive). His 83% pass completion reflect a player with skill who still plays a perimeter or linear game too often. He hasn’t shown a high level of manipulation or deception to elevate teammates consistently.
Projection & Fit
Player Type: Skilled, undersized offensive winger with pace and power play value
NHL Projection: Long-term project. If he adds mass and consistently competes, he could develop into a bottom-six NHL winger who contributes on the power play.
He’s not ready physically or tactically, but he shows flashes of dynamic play in transition, offensive creation off the rush, and skill on the power play. With development and strength gains, he could fill a depth role as an energy winger who can moonlight on a scoring line.
Draft Recommendation: 7th Round
Pekar’s raw offensive talent, speed, and competitiveness in spurts give him an outside shot to make it. He’s a low-risk, high-reward late pick, especially for teams who develop smaller forwards well and need organizational skill on the wing. If he continues to grow physically and adds consistency, he’s got NHL utility as a depth scoring option.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images