New York Rangers’ prospect Libor Hajek oozes potential

The New York Rangers have high expectations for one of their top defensive prospects. What are fair expectations for the youngster?

Since the New York Rangers traded away Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Blueshirt fans have been excited and anxious about what’s to come.

By trading away the former captain, along with J.T. Miller, the Rangers received two draft picks, Vladislav Namestikov and two prospects. Perhaps the most intriguing piece of the trade was defenseman Libor Hajek.

Hajek is a defenseman with great mobility integrated in his game.

He’s a solid, two-way player who uses his great physical frame to his advantage. Physicality is a key part of Hajek’s game. Often catching the opposition watching the puck, he isn’t afraid to punish puck carriers with their head down.

Hajek’s footwork is fantastic and it allows him to stay in prime position to make plays on the puck on both ends of the ice. His excellent speed also allows for easy recoveries on the defensive end, which results in quick turnarounds to offense.

Hajek’s great timing on the offensive end creates effective passing lanes and gives teammates opportunities to convert on scoring chances. He is an absolute weapon because of his great skating ability.

What improvements are needed?

While highly skilled and quick, Hajek still needs to add weight to his frame. Physicality is important, but throwing checks can wear down an underdeveloped player. Some time in the weight room should do the trick here.

One other concern is that Hajek has a below average shot from the point. While this can limit what he can do as part of the power play unit, his play-making ability bridges the gap. The shot can certainly develop, but until that happens creativity will be the key to his offensive opportunities.

The only other concern in Hajek’s game would be his hands. He doesn’t have the softest pair of mitts in the world. This can hurt receiving passes at high speeds or stick work on the defensive end. However, that part of his game isn’t overtly worrisome. Experience can make a massive difference handling situations that requires quick reflexes.

Comparables

In his draft day scouting report, Hajek drew a comparable to Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson .

A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Hjalmarsson has many of the same traits that Hajeks possesses. He is similarly gifted in the mobility department and they both play with a sense of control of not just the puck, but also the flow of the game. This is an important trait to have considering the speed of the game and how quickly decisions have to be made.

If Hajek’s projections at the NHL level match Hjalmarsson, the Rangers have themselves at least a top-four defenseman.

Where will he play next season?

Considering that Rangers aren’t too close to competing, Hajek should spend some time in the American Hockey League. This isn’t to say he’s a long shot to make the team out of training camp, though I expect a more long-term approach with him.

The key to me is keeping Hajek from becoming overwhelmed. There is a bit of promise; which is exactly what intrigued management when acquiring him. There is absolutely no reason to rush his development, and the Rangers would do well to allow Hajek to get his feet wet in the AHL.

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There is belief around the league that this young Czech defenseman could be special, but the Rangers should allow him to get there at his own pace.