Michael Spacek
Position: Center
Current Team: HC Pardubice, Czech League
Date of Birth: April 9, 1997
Place of Birth: Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 187 lbs
Shoots: Right
I will freely admit that information on Michael Spacek was tough to come by, other than the snippet below from NHL.com. While I really, really hoped he was related somehow to former Jackets Jaroslav Spacek, sadly, that doesn’t appear to be the case. The reports on Spacek that I could find list him as a player who’s willing to work hard, has some skill, but is just very small. Listed at 5’11”, that might be a bit generous. After a solid season last year in the Czech under-20 league, he moved up to the highest Czech level and did alright, considering his age. He still projects as a bit of a tweener, just based on his measurables.
Scouting Reports
He’s a hard worker with a good skill set, makes good decisions, is a smart passer and playmaker. He’s quick and mobile, an all-around player with a nose for the net. He is a bit smallish and needs more physical strength. – NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb, NHL.com
Already displays strong all round game in the Czech elite league but lacks prototypical size. Displays excellent vision, hands and puck control. Can receive hard passes and also sharp soft saucer passes. Forechecks and supports in the defensive zone. A top offensive prospect with scoring touch and passing skills. His head always up and those great hands make it appear the puck is following him around all three zones. He is maybe 5 foot ten at this point and that may be the only negative teams will find in his game. A member of his homeland’s team roster for the World Junior Under-20 at Christmas 2014. – Bill Placzek, DraftSite.com
A Good Fit in Columbus?
He might be the kind of pick that would make you scratch your head (I know I thought Marko Dano was a reach late in the first round in 2013), but Jarmo tends to like what he sees of young European players in international tournaments, and Spacek was solid with 1/4/5 in the WJC-18 this year and had a strong tournament last year (while playing with Jakub Vrana to boot). That said, he’s just not very big, and you can’t coach height. The Jackets already have plenty of smallish guys up front, and so one more probably isn’t necessary unless you really, really like the player. There’s a lot to like about Spacek’s skills, but it remains to be seen if that would translate to the North American game.