Ales Stezka

February 2025 – With Peter Grubauer being waiver by the Kraken, for the time being Stezka is set to be the backup behind Joey Daccord. Stezka’s numbers have taken a step back at the AHL level this year, but he has a shot to prove his case as an NHL backup. He figures to have some short term value, and could be worth grabbing on a whim to see how he performs. Alex Wyatt

September 2024- Stezka came over to North America for the 2023-24 season, his first since 2016-2017 where he played in the USHL. He had great numbers in the USHL, 2.61 and .908 in 56 games, and the Czechia pro league, 2.45 and .913 in 92 games. He continued his success for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, going 18-6-2 with two shutouts. His 2.48 GAA and .914 Save Percentage is very similar to his lines in previous leagues. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Stezka push for an NHL look if an injury befalls Grubauer or Daccord this season. Alex Wyatt

August 2023 – Stezka was signed by the Kraken in May, and looks to add to his excellent body of work in the top Czech league. He was a top-five talent amongst goalies who played at least 15 games, and now throws hit hat in the ring to be the NHL back up, or AHL tandem starter depending on his training camp. Alex Wyatt

June 2019 – Stezka did not receive an entry level contract from the Wild which means he becomes a free agent.  Jokke Nevalainen

February 2018 – After two seasons in the USHL, Stezka signed a two year contract in the Czech Republic with Extraliga team Bili Tygri Liberec. Most of his season has been spent in the Czech 2nd division though, and his .861 save percentage and 4.78 goals against average is far from desirable. He had an excellent playoff in the USHL last year, so adjusting back to European ice may be an issue, and the lack of an ELC last summer with Minnesota’s lack of real goaltending depth is concerning for his future. Minnesota has another season to evaluate him before losing his rights, and barring a massive improvement, it seems that may be the direction they go, especially with just seven UFAs this year, and none over 1.2 million dollars a year. Pat Quinn

July 2016 – Stezka saw limited playing time this past season as he served as a goaltending understudy for the Sioux Falls Stampede this past season. Throughout the playing time he was allotted he shown terrific athletic tools and a strong propensity to read the play prior to making the first save off of initial shot attempts. Being able to recover and improve his rebound control would do him wonders given how fundamentally sound he is until he is out of position for subsequent shots. He’s a good depth goaltending prospect but a project nonetheless. Edric Joseph

December 2015- After an underwhelming run so far this season with the Sioux Falls Stampede, Ales Stezka is looking to turn his fortunes around as he suits up for Team Czech Republic for the Under-20 World Junior Championships. Given his 0.897 SV% so far this season and how well Daniel Vladar has been fairing this year, Stezka will need to earn his playing time. Edric Joseph

July 2015 – For a draft class that is projected to be shallow in goal, the Minnesota did while by adding to their goaltending stable by drafting Ales Stezka in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. In doing so, they’re showing just how much performance at the Ivan Hlinka World under-18 tournament means to them when evaluating talent. For someone slight of build his lateral mobility is a concern that needs to be address. That being said, he is beyond his years with his glove hand and also his terrific rebound control thereby limiting the oppositions second chance opportunities. Edric Joseph