Tomas Pobezal – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

What separates Pobezal from many peers is his shift-to-shift consistency and intensity. He can play center and both wings, and contributes on special teams. His hockey IQ is good, which allows him to read plays, anticipate passing lanes, and consistently generate elite takeaway numbers. He possesses good hands that help him create chances for his teammates and is a force in the high-danger areas. He consistently looks for open teammates, but if an opportunity isn’t there, he gets the puck deep and goes to work in pursuit.

Pobezal is undersized for a forward, lacks elite speed, and doesn’t seem to have much offensive upside. While he does many things well, he lacks one standout skill. He is an average skater, has a decent shot, and solid passing skills. This has some wondering if he will be a player who may not be skilled enough for a scoring role, nor fast or physical enough for a fourth-line job in the NHL. However, those who worry about his upside say that if he develops sufficiently, he does have the potential to wear an NHL sweater someday.

His defensive detail, positional awareness, and every shift effort give him the chance to see more upside than many among draft-eligible forwards this season. Even playing against men, Pozebal has no issues with trying to get under opponents’ skin. He has sufficient speed, and with his tenacity on the ice, he gives himself the chance to be an elite forechecker. He excels at managing space in the neutral and defensive zones, where his aggressive play has allowed his teams to succeed.

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Tomas Pobezal – NHL Draft Projection

Tomas Pobezal is a mature, high-IQ, two-way forward, which are traits coveted by NHL teams. His mature approach, elite defensive detail, and ability to anticipate and disrupt plays will likely allow him to see his name called in the second or early third round.

Quotables

“Pobezal’s entire game is built around his “Hockey IQ.” You hear that term tossed around a lot in today’s game, especially in the scouting sphere, but in this case, it’s an accurate description on every level. It’s clear to see, in my opinion, that Pobezal is always analyzing the play. He’s constantly shoulder-checking, looking for lanes, and scanning his surroundings every shift.” Greyson Goudy – FC Hockey

“Pobezal was aggressive and very active. He was also able to carry the puck up the ice, enter the zone in a controlled manner. Pobezal is a provocative type of player who gets under the opponent’s skin, but his contribution is much bigger than that. At his age, he can cover the puck well and be strong on his stick. His quick stops can greatly affect the flow of the game. I also see playmaking in his game and the ability to dish out accurate passes.” (from ‘Tomas Prozebal Scouting Reports,’ – Elite Prospects, March 18, 2025)

“Pobezal has been a leading fixture for Slovakia in this age group for a while, and it was nice to see him at the World Juniors. He’s smart, speedy, and makes good decisions with the puck. He seemed to be one of Slovakia’s most consistent players from the get-go at the U18s last year, and he always brought the energy.” Steven Ellis – Daily Faceoff

Strengths

Under Construction – Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

If Pobezal can improve his skating and add strength to his frame, he has the possibility of being a complementary middle-six forward who can contribute on special teams. Even if he doesn’t develop as much to get that level, the skills are there to see him be a reliable bottom-six forward.

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk- 2/5, Reward 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense- 6/10, Defense 6/10

Interviews/Links

Tomas Pozebal Statistics

Awards/Achievements

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