Vit Zahejsky (C, R, 5’11”, 170, Kamloops Blazers, 08/10/2007)
Vit Zahejsky is a competitive, versatile forward who played both wings and filled in at center when needed this season. Despite underwhelming production with Kamloops, Zahejsky emerged as one of Czechia’s most reliable and productive forwards at the international level. His game is built around motor, pace, and positional responsibility, with a willingness to battle for pucks and compete in traffic. While he doesn’t project as a top-six offensive player at the pro level, he is a useful all-situations forward with a high work rate and strong international track record.
Statistical Profile (2024–25)
Kamloops (WHL): 46 GP | 3 G | 12 A | 15 PTS | 15 PIM | -19
Czechia U18 (All Tournaments): 25 GP | 17 G | 12 A | 29 PTS | 6 PIM
Single-Game Averages — International Play:
TOI: 20:09 | PPT: 4:23 | SHT: 1:33
Shots: 4.1 | SOG: 2.7 | SC: 2.7 | SC%: 19%
Puck Battles: 12 | Win %: 41%
Faceoff %: 39% on 11 draws/game
Takeaways/Giveaways: 5.7 / 7
Pass Accuracy: 81%
Single-Game Averages — WHL:
TOI: 14:24 | PPT: 2:02 | SHT: 0:04
Shots: 3.2 | SOG: 1.57 | SC: 1.78 | SC%: 3.7%
Puck Battles: 11 | Win %: 46%
Pass Accuracy: 84% | Takeaways/Giveaways: 3.1 / 5.4
Reasons to Draft
International Production and Role Versatility
Zahejsky was a standout for Czechia, averaging over a point per game in international play while logging top-unit power play and significant penalty kill minutes. He earned the trust of his coaches as a multi-situation forward and responded with consistent effort and timely scoring, including 4 goals in 5 games at the U18 Worlds. His ability to slide between wing and center, as well as his versatility on special teams, is an asset.
High Motor and Competitiveness
He competes hard on pucks, averaging 11–12 puck battles per game across all levels. Though his win rates are modest (41–46%), his willingness to engage and battle gives him value in a depth role. Zahejsky plays with pace, is active on the forecheck, and supports well defensively. He also drew more penalties than he took and shows a willingness to play inside the dots.
Quick Release and Situational Scoring Ability
His 19% scoring chance conversion rate in international play points to above-average finishing ability when given time and space. He’s effective off the puck in the offensive zone, timing routes into high-danger areas and using a quick release to beat goaltenders. His ability to get pucks off quickly from in motion gives him power play utility as a bumper or flanker.
Reasons Not to Draft
Limited WHL Impact and Low Scoring Efficiency
Despite playing middle-six minutes and seeing power play usage in Kamloops, Zahejsky managed just 3 goals in 46 WHL games and carried a -19 rating. His WHL scoring chance conversion was just 3.7% — struggles to finish against North American defenders and goalies on smaller ice sheets. His reduced time on ice (14:24/game) and limited special teams contribution also raise questions about his adaptability to WHL pace and structure.
Puck Management and Puck Battle Inefficiency
Zahejsky averaged more giveaways than takeaways at both levels, and his 41–46% puck battle win rate undercuts his competitive identity. While he’s willing to work, he lacks separation gear and doesn’t consistently come out with pucks in contested situations. At 5’10”, 185 lbs, he needs to improve leverage, timing, and anticipation to offset his size disadvantage at higher levels.
Faceoff and Center Usage Concerns
Though capable of taking draws, Zahejsky won just 39% of his faceoffs in international play and didn’t take many in Kamloops. He’s more effective as a winger and may not project as a true center at the pro level. This limits his lineup flexibility and adds pressure on his offensive game to carry more weight.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Competitive, two-way winger with bottom-six NHL upside if scoring consistency improves
Development Path: Two full WHL seasons in top-six role, two seasons in an NCAA environment before two seasons in the minors.
Draft Range: Late Round 7 / Priority Free Agent Watchlist
Verdict:
Zahejsky is an effort-driven forward with international scoring pedigree and the work ethic to warrant late-round consideration. His limited WHL impact tempers expectations, but his consistency and ability to elevate at the international level suggest there’s more to his game than the stats in Kamloops show. If he can carry over his confidence and offensive assertiveness from Czechia into North American play, he may round into a reliable depth option at the pro level. He’s a player worth tracking.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images