Observations:

November 2014- The numbers game forced Detroit to put Nestrasil on waivers for the purpose of sending him to the minors. Unfortunately with waivers there’s always the risk of losing the player and that’s exactly what happened with Nestrasil as he was scooped up by the Carolina Hurricanes and he rewarded them with a goal in his debut. Through 13 games with Detroit he was only able to muster up two assists but he got high praise from Coach Babcock for his ability to protect the puck and provide sound positional play. Detroit obviously didn’t want to lose him for nothing but that’s the nature of the beast when you are running a team when you have players of Datsyuk’s, Franzen’s and Weiss’s experience and calibre coming off of injured reserve. The pain of losing Nestrasil may be softened by the return of Weiss who has potted three goals in his first two games back. Ironically it’s his first three goals at home in his Red Wings tenure. It all comes back to taking advantage of the opportunity given to you and unfortunately for the young Czech forward he wasn’t able to make enough of an impact on the scoresheet to help the Red Wings win games and now he is plying his trade for the Hurricanes organization where he should be given ample opportunity to stick.  Travis Watson

October 2014- In one of the biggest surprises across the league, Andrej Nestrasil has earned a spot on the Red Wings opening night lineup. Nestrasil made the team after winning the training camp battle over top prospect Teemu Pulkkinen and fellow veteran Wings prospects Landon Ferraro and Mitch Callahan. Injuries to both Pavel Datsyuk and Anthony Mantha also likely played a role but that shouldn’t discredit his training camp and impressive preason. His effort landed him a spot on the second powerplay unit and the third line with the Wings 2014 savior Gustav Nyquist and speedster Darren Helm. This audition will be a great time for Andrej to prove that his hard work in the summer deserves to be rewarded and he belongs in the Motor City. If he gets sent down he would have to pass through waivers so if he impresses look for the Wings to find a place for place for him. Travis Watson

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July 2014- The Red Wings have brought back their 2009 third round pick on a one-year, two-way contract extension. Nestrasil improved mightly after being promoted to the top line along side Teemu Pulkkinen after the trade of Calle Jarnkrok. That trade right there opened up a bigger opportunity for the 23 year old Czech and he was able to take advantage and get himself another contract. If that move didn’t happen it’s likely he would be out of a job and out looking for another team to take a chance on him. He’s still a ways away from making a difference at the NHL level but he’s gotten himself back into the conversation of a potential player down the road. However, this isn’t a player you need to draft as the Red Wings have too many prospects in line ahead of him. Travis Watson

May 2014- If you were to take a look back at the turn of the calendar year you would see Andrej Nestrasil was struggling with an uninspiring seven points in 27 games played. You can take it even further and bring it to the Trade Deadline where he was likely sitting on the outside looking in, at least In the eyes of Red Wings management with restricted free agency looming and a pedestrian 19 points in 51 games played. Luckily for Andrej when one door closes (Jarnkrok trade) another one opens. From March 5^th on he was just shy of a point per game player and has carried that into the post season in the first round helping oust the Abbotsford Heat with four points in four games.  It has been a trying time adjusting his game at the pro level and it seems that for him to be effective he needs to play with talented linemates as he isn’t able to create offense by himself. If he wants an opportunity to strut his stuff at the next level he is going to need to up his game no matter what the situation is as he won’t just jump into the NHL skating 15 minutes a game against the best of the best. This postseason is going to be a pivotal time for Nestrasil as he is going to need to continue to produce and make a difference to warrant another contract offer from Detroit. Travis Watson

March 2014- #11 is Nestrasil’s number for the Grand Rapid Griffins and that is also where he sits in team scoring. With 10 goals, 13 assists and 23 points he is posting career highs across the board but that also comes while skating in 57 games which is two more then his previous two seasons combined. The past three months have been fairly consistent with Nestrasil posting at least five points and in the past six games since Jarnkrok was traded he has managed to produce three goals and an assist with the increased role. So he is taking advantage of the recent opportunity he’s been given and Grand Rapids will be hoping his recent surge continues through to the end of the season and into the Calder Cup playoffs. Travis Watson

December 2012 – Nestrasil has been stuck back in Toledo of the ECHL this season. He has 26 points in 29 games thus far, and is showing growth at that level. He did receive a three game recall, but only registered 2 shots. Currently should be off the radar for poolies until he can hold down a roster spot and produce at the AHL level. Jason Banks

May, 2012 – Andrej Nestrasil is a decent power forward prospect.  He has good playmaking skills that were put on display in 2010-11 when he had 70 points (51 assists) in 58 games for Prince Edward Island of the QMJHL. This season was not as productive for Nestrasil as he spent most of the year in Toledo of the ECHL, posting 29 points in 51 games. He also suited up for 25 games in the AHL for Grand Rapids and potted four points.  As with most Detroit Red Wings’ prospects, he will need extensive development time in the minor leagues before getting a chance at the highest level. Look for Nestrasil to eventually fill a role similar to the one played by Todd Bertuzzi right now on the Red Wings, while putting up similar numbers (40-50 points) in his prime.

Fantasy Outlook: C

Has not shown scoring-line potential at the NHL level. 

Footage:

Nestrasil goes to the net and scores:

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Andrej Nestrasil statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects