Draft Profile Prospect: Dalibor Dvorsky

Slovakian center Dalibor Dvorsky was one of the breakout stars at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championships this spring. Already known for having an explosive wrist shot, Dvorsky lit up the tourney with eight goals and 13 points in seven games. Playing for the Slovakian national U20 team, Dvorsky chipped in three points (1g, 2a) at the World Juniors.

Many scouts consider Dvorsky's shooting ability to be in the top 4 of the Draft class, although, there's a gap between Connor Bedard's world-class finish and everyone who is vying for second-best in that category. However, it's Dvorsky's two-way acumen that may be his most attractive trait heading to the 2023 Draft.

At the World Junior Championships, Dvorsky was given the unenviable task of going head-to-head with the likes of Bedard of Team Canada, Coyotes prospect Logan Coolley of Team USA and 2022 Nashville Predators first-round pick Joakim Kemell of team Finland. Their respective lines weren't entirely shut down, which is extremely difficult to do, but they were contained to a combined two goals.

A coachable and diligent player who also ranks highly in the hockey sense department (top five in some estimations), Dvorsky has a heavy game. He protects the puck effectively and can power his way to the net with the puck. Already packing 200 pounds on a 6-foot-1 frame, Dvorsky has been dominant when playing against teenage competition, putting up puck-touch and controlled offensive zone entries at an elite rate because he's bigger and stronger than most of his opponents.

"He's a smart player, lots of compete: that's what I like about him," said one NHL amateur scout. "He's also on the younger end of this year's Draft class and he's already having some success against grown men."

Dvorsky was 17 years old for the duration of the 2022-23 season. He turned 18 on June15, 2023. The native of Zvolen, Slovakia, has been playing in Sweden for several years, where there is superior opposition to his home country.

This past season, Dvorsky suited up in 38 regular season games for the AIK Stockholm men's team in Allsvenskan (Sweden's highest minor league, one notch below the SHL). He largely saw third-line duty but eventually saw time on the second line. Allsvenskan is a relatively low-scoring league, and the player's 14 points in 38 games represented respectable output for a 17-year-old player playing against adult pros.

At the Swedish J20 level, as one would expect, Dvorsky dominated. In 10 games for AIK's under-20 team, the Slovak compiled 21 points (10g, 11a). He suited up for J18 squad in the playoffs and had five goals and two assists in seven games.

Dvorsky is not a fancy stickhandler; he's more apt to shield the puck and power his way past a defender. He's also not a prolific playmaker. His goal totals have always been more impressive than his assist numbers. Dvorsky is not devoid of setup ability, however. He's played some wing in his young career, but has primarily been a center and projects to continue playing in the middle.

"I really, really like him. I know he's not a high-end, high-skill guy but he's so good at everything. There's no real flaws in his game. There's just not. He's actually very good at everything," said a scout quoted in the 2023 Recrutes Draft Guide.

BASIC INFORMATION

Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 200 pounds
2022-23 Team: AIK Stockholm (Allsvenskan)
2022-23 Stats: 38 GP, 6G, 8A, 14 Points, -19, 53.0% CF,

RANKINGS: Central Scouting #3 European skater, Bob McKenzie #6 , Craig Button #9, Recrutes #3, McKeen's #7, Chris Peters #9, Daily Faceoff #15.

PROS:
1) One of the top pure shooters in the 2023 Draft pool.
2) Hard-working, two-way center. Solid upside on both sides of the puck.
3) Rates highly in hockey sense and competitiveness.
4) Has demonstrated strong puck-possession ability; protects the puck well.
5) Already playing professional hockey in Sweden.

CONCERNS:
1) Not a deficient skater but also not a dynamic skater who creates separation.
2) May not have elite playmaking skills.
3) Some question if he's a future NHL middle-six forward or a top-six.
4) Scored in bunches in junior and at U18s but Allsvenskan stats weren't dazzling
5) Will he see a usage increase with AIK in 2023-24?