Prospect Rewind: Pekar gained valuable experience from trade to Sudbury

Matej Pekar wore three different uniforms in 2019-20.

Pekar (4th round, 2018) began his second OHL season with the Barrie Colts, with whom he had tallied 36 points in 33 games during an injury-shortened campaign in 2018-19. He represented the Czech Republic at the IIHF World Junior Championship in January. Days later, he was traded from Barrie to Sudbury.

"It was a little weird because I obviously got traded from Barrie one day and another day I'm playing against Barrie for Sudbury," Pekar said. "So, this was one of those weird moments. But it was actually pretty good. … I honestly did not have any problems adjusting."

All of that movement made it a year of growth for the 20-year-old forward, who felt the best was yet to come by the time it ended. Sudbury stood atop its division with a six-point cushion when the OHL halted its season in March. Pekar delivered a five-point performance (1+4) in the final game of the season.

Check out No. 12 in blue, finding himself on both ends of passes across the net.

"We were kind of pushing for the conference title," Pekar said. "I just felt comfortable. I was playing my hockey and I was just happy. Unfortunately, we can't bring it into the playoffs now."

Pekar finished his season with 63 points (28+35) in 51 contests, including 34 points in 25 games for Sudbury. He scored nine goals in his final 13 games, including a pair of hat tricks.

Though the Wolves were unable to see their season through to the playoffs, the transition proved valuable for Pekar. He credited Sudbury coach Cory Stillman - a two-time Stanley Cup champion and veteran of over 1,000 NHL games - with instilling habits that will be necessary at the next level.

"Coach was hard on me, but to be honest I loved it that he was like that," Pekar said. … "He was teaching me the habits that I need to bring to the next level, to the pro level. He was teaching me to basically be consistent in practices, every pass, every detail."

Sabres assistant general manager Steve Greeley said he believes the change in scenery was beneficial for Pekar.

"What we really hope he learned is how to play in new situations, how to play with different players, how to play different systems," Greeley said. "We know he had a great year in the weight room, we know he's developed physically.

"And then from a World Juniors standpoint, he played in his home country in front of sold out crowds in some enormous games. You hope that he's just learning how to perform on a bigger stage than he's ever been at. We think he's adapted very well to these new situations that were presented to him this year."

Pekar now has his sights set on next fall, so much so that he's currently staying with his conditioning coach in Michigan to get ready.

"I'm focusing on bettering myself as much as I can because I'm trying to be ready for camp," he said. "My goal is to be as ready as I possibly can be for the upcoming camp this year."

By the numbers

1 - Pekar made his NHL exhibition debut with the Sabres against Columbus on Sept. 17. He skated 13:42 and recorded three shots and four hits.

1.24 -Pekar averaged 1.24 points per game, up from 1.09 in 2018-19. He averaged 1.36 points per game during his time with Sudbury, second on the team behind highly touted 2020 prospect Quinton Byfield.

4 - Pekar had four hat tricks this season, including one against his former team following a trade from Barrie to Sudbury.

6 - Pekar's six game-winning goals tied for 10th in the OHL.