Jets Sign Kostalek

[The Unknown Poster]

@WiebeSunSports: #NHLJets announce they have agreed to terms with D Jan Kostalek, a 4th round pick in 2013 NHL Draft. 3-year, entry-level deal w/AAV of 850k

[The Unknown Poster]

History

2010-11: Jan Kostalek appeared in one game for the Sparta Prague U20 team – playing most of the season with the Czech club’s U18 team – and also played in 19 international games for the Czech U16 team. He had no points nor penalties in his only U20 game. Kostalek scored 2 goals with 9 assists in 39 games with the Sparta Prague U18 team and was plus-four with 34 penalty minutes. Sparta U18 finished first in the regular season but lost in the playoff quarterfinals. Kostalek was plus-one with no points and 8 penalty minutes in five playoff games. In six games for Sparta U16 he scored 1 goal with 3 assists and was plus-five. He scored 3 goals with 6 assists and had 34 penalty minutes playing for the Czech Republic U16 team.

2011-12: Kostalek made his Czech Extraliga debut – playing in 10 games for Sparta Prague – while competing for the club’s U20 team and representing the Czech Republic in three international championship tournaments. He had no points and was minus-three with 4 penalty minutes in his pro hockey stint. In 32 games for Sparta Prague U20 he scored 3 goals with 4 assists and was plus-seven with 30 penalty minutes. In the club’s four playoff games he was plus-four with no points and 2 penalty minutes. In 10 games for Sparta’s U18 team (including three playoff games) he scored 1 goal with 16 assists and was plus-11. He played in the 2011 U19 World Junior A Challenge, 2012 U17 World Hockey Challenge, and 2012 U18 World Junior Championship. Representing the Czech Republic in 15 international matches between the three teams he had 3 assists and 16 penalty minutes. Kostalek was selected by Rimouski in the first round (10th overall) of the 2012 CHL Import Draft.

2012-13: Kostalek impressed as both a physical defenseman and puck mover skating for Rimouski in his first season in North America. Slowed by an injury early in the year, he skated in 48 QMJHL games, finishing with 5 goals and 13 assists, and was plus-17 with 53 penalty minutes. The Oceanic finished second in the East Division. Kostalek had 1 assist and was minus-five with 2 penalty minutes in the six-game playoff series with Gatineau. He finished the year representing the Czech Republic at the 2013 U18 World Junior Championship; playing five games and finishing plus-one with 2 assists. Kostalek played for Team Orr in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and was ranked 43rd amongst North American skaters in the Central Scouting final rankings and was selected by Winnipeg in the fourth round (114th overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft.

2013-14: Kostalek attended training camp with the Jets before returning to Rimouski for his second season in the QMJHL. He skated for the Czech Republic U20 team at the 2014 World Juniors. He scored 5 goals with 22 assists and was plus-10 with 40 penalty minutes in 55 regular season games — missing time at the end of the year and the first round in the playoffs due to a nagging injury. The Oceanic finished second to Baie-Comeau in the East Division and reached the second round in the playoffs. Kostalek had 3 assists and was minus-2 with 4 penalty minutes in six playoff game. He had 1 assist and was an even plus/minus with 2 penalty minutes in five games for the Czech Republic at the WJC.

Talent Analysis

Kostalek is a polished two-way defenseman. He plays a mature game and adapted well to being counted on to play plenty of minutes in all situations. Perhaps his best skill is his intelligence and hockey sense on the ice. He rarely makes a mistake. Only average sized, he skates well and plays with a bit of an edge. Offensively, there is still room to grow, but he makes smart decisions and moves the puck well. Like many young players he will need to add strength and bulk to compete at the pro level on a nightly basis, and consistency is a concern, but his development to this point has been encouraging.

Future

Kostalek skated in his second camp with the Jets before returning to Rimouski for his third season in the QMJHL in 2014-15. He is likely to represent the Czech Republic for the second time in the 2015 World Juniors. Playing on one of the top teams in Quebec, he has played well on both ends of the ice. One of two picks from the 2013 NHL Draft yet to be signed by the Jets, he must receive a contract by June 2015 or would re-enter the 2015 NHL Draft. His skating ability and instincts suggest he can be an outstanding two-way defenseman at the NHL level.

[Jpan85]

Andrew Copp now the only one not signed from that draft?

[Goalie]

Solid player. 2 way d man didn't look out of place when he was in camp. Will help st Johns and probably has a future with the jets