One of the purest snipers in his draft class, Filip Zadina has consistently shown an ability to find space in the middle of the offensive-zone ice to get clean looks at the net. That ability led to Zadina potting 44 goals, tied for third-most in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, in 57 regular-season games, and another five markers in nine postseason tilts.
Zadina exhibits a well-rounded game as he goes up and down the wing that sees him compete hard along the boards and enter the high-traffic areas, but he stands out with his high-end offensive skill set at even strength. He has slick puck skills and an excellent one-one-one game when attacking the net.
When the opposition closes on him with two bodies jamming his radar, the intelligent Zadina doesn't force a play or give up possession, opting instead to use his awareness and quickly deliver passes right on the tape of his open teammates.
Being a sniper, though, his quick release of high-velocity shots, ability to change his angle at the last second, and deliver with great accuracy are key drivers to his success. That sharp-shooting mentality proved rather efficient for the Mooseheads as he produced with an 18.8 per cent success rate.
After a hot start with Halifax, Zadina sparkled on KeyBank Center Ice in Buffalo over the holidays with seven goals and eight points in seven games with the Czech Republic at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship to earn a spot on the tournament All-Star Team.
Zadina is certainly an advanced offensive player, but it is worth noting how he enjoyed significant time and space to operate in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. This concept was further analyzed following the junior season, when he was challenged by faster, stronger competition during his brief stint with the Czech Republic's Men's National Team in preparation for the World Championship.
For Zadina's sake, he adjusted well with a goal and as assist in the six-game slate, giving NHL scouts better perspective on how his ability to generate offense will translate to the game's highest level.
<< #4 Brady Tkachuk | #2 Andrei Svechnikov >>
Click Here For The Full List
For more on all the youngsters in the Sabres pipeline, check out Kris Baker's website, SabresProspects.com. You can also follow him on Twitter (@SabresProspects).
