Over the next few weeks leading up to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft on June 23rd in Pittsburgh, I'll be covering some of the potential first-round selections for the Ottawa Senators. After their first-round elimination at the hands of the New York Rangers, Ottawa was locked into the fifteenth-overall draft pick -- a beautiful landing spot for a playoff-caliber club.
Since Ottawa could essentially go in either direction be it forward or defenseman, I'll be touching on a variety of talented prospects expected to step towards the podium in the middle of the first-round. Up next? Radek Faksa.
Team/League: Kitchener Rangers, Ontario Hockey League
Position: Center
Size: 6'3, 202 lbs.
Production: Calling Faksa's transition to the North American style of hockey a success might be a conservative descriptor. Faksa was a PPG+ [29G/38A]player through his first sixty-two games in the Ontario Hockey League, playing a major role in Kitchener's sixth-ranked offense in the regular season. Prior to his work with the Rangers, Faksa was absolutely lighting up Czech competition -- his 49 PTS [19G/30A] in 28 GP with HC Trinec (U18) in '10-'11 solidified his first-round status for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft a full year ago. More impressive than his offensive output, though, is his two-way play, highlighted by boorish physicality in the defensive zone. Faksa might not be the world's most brilliant offensive talent, but he's as well-rounded of a forward as there is in the upcoming draft. Another Mika Zibanejad (including past head trauma)? It's certainly a fair comparison.
Interesting Quote: Love this bit via NHL.com between Kitchener GM Steve Spott and Radek Faksa right after his jump across the pond:
Prior to his initial season in the Ontario Hockey League, Spott asked his first-year import from the Czech Republic to jot down the number of goals he thought he would score as a rookie in Kitchener. Faksa predicted 15; Spott had other plans.
"I had 15 goals before the season but he crossed that out and put 25," Faksa told NHL.com. "I already have passed that 15-goal mark, so maybe it's possible. I didn't believe him."
"I did do that," he said. "I think if there's any negative to Radek Faksa, it's his humility. He doesn't realize how good he could be. He's very respectful and I think sometimes just doesn't give himself enough credit.
"When he came in here and put down 15 goals, I just told him, 'Hey that's not where you need to be.' I told him 25 is the benchmark."
And guess what? He reached his goal.
Trouble Areas: Discipline, for one. Faksa expressed to the Edmonton Journallast December that he was far too often taking lazy penalties, and would try to clean up his game as the season progressed. More troubling, though? Scouts remain a bit weary of Faksa's overall game and subsequent ceiling. The Czech native has few deficiencies in his game -- an unlikely mark in player development at such a young age. However, questions of his skill set have limited his stock from climbing even higher. Just how much upside does Radek Faksa have?
More, courtesy AllHabs.net:
While Faksa’s assets seem like the ideal combination for a big center; it is the belief of many scouts that none of his assets are truly elite and if he could take any one of them to the next level he could be considered a strong candidate to be a top line player. As mentioned, Faksa’s hockey sense is the closest to an elite-level, but it’s been said that if he could develop more confidence in his skill, and trust his abilities, he could be a dominant player in the NHL. The beneficial aspect to this would be that confidence is often earned through experience; therefore it is not out of the question that Faksa can develop into a top-line forward. Due to Radek’s size, and board-play, it is the belief of some scouts that he may be converted to a wing position to be used more effectively. Radek must also develop more strength to truly harness the power of his six foot three frame.
Why Ottawa?: Well, even with the addition of Kyle Turris, there's not a massive amount of quality center depth in the organization. Zack Smith's transitioned nicely to the NHL game, but if a player cut from Radek Faksa's cloth was still available at fifteen, my guess is Bryan Murray doesn't hesitate and immediately pulls the BPA trigger. And, as mentioned previously, Faksa could end up playing on the wing -- another area where Ottawa could use some help. Lastly, as more of a developmental-type talent at the tender age of eighteen, Faksa could enter an environment where he's not likely rushed into the NHL ranks.
If Not Ottawa -- Where?: Much like Griffin Reinhart yesterday, Faksa's more likely than not going to be off the board come fifteen. Still, the volatilty of the draft and potential for a trade-up does make Faksa an option. Likely landing spots for Faksa include the Tampa Bay Lightning at ten and Buffalo Sabres at twelve. Tampa Bay's best C prospect remains Vladislav Namestnikov; Buffalo's best C prospects include Kevin Sundher and Daniel Catenacci.
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