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Tomas Kundratek, D |
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Shoots: R |
Height: 6-2 |
Weight: 201 |
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Born: 1989-12-26 |
Hometown: Prerov, CZE |
Drafted: 2008 by NY Rangers, 90th overall. |
Observations:
June 2015 – Kundratek signed a one-year deal with Dinamo Riga of the KHL per Igor Eronko of sport.ru, and confirmed by Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post. He was likely not going to be offered a one-way deal by the Capitals and likely took this route. He could likely be back in 2016-17 where there is hopefully room for him. Pat Quinn
May 2015 – As the Bears added more players for the stretch run before the playoffs they would routinely scratch players to keep them rested, often for games at a time during winning streaks, and this happened to Kundratek. He also had a baby with his wife in the end of March forcing him to miss another game. However, during that time the Bears kept winning and it made it difficult for Kundratek to get back in the lineup. Around the end of March/Early April Kundratek suffered a knee injury, limiting him to the “day-to-day” injury status. Once he was healthy he was far down the depth chart, getting in only one game in April and no playoffs games. A great rebound season, but unfortunate circumstances lead to a disappointing end of the season. Pat Quinn
March 2015 – Kundratek has caught back up to speed this season after missing 90% of it last year after tearing his ACL in the first month of the season. He has 26 points in 58 games, albeit a lower total than 2012-2013, but that can be affiliated with coming back after so long on the shelf. Currently this season he has the most shots on goal in his career. With the Capitals having only one spot open (Orlov staying and healthy with Green leaving) Kundratek is in a tough spot. After this season Kundratek is an RFA, so at worst if he stays with the Caps he would be a call up as he is NHL ready. Pat Quinn
January 2015 – Kundratek remained a steady force on the Hershey blue line logging top pairing minutes, while manning the first power play unit. He strangely still has no goals for the season, but does have 18 assists (second on the team) in 36 games, a 0.5 point-per-game pace. His game is looking more consistent as the season progresses, which is good considering he missed a majority of last year with his knee injury. He did turn 25 years of age in December and seemingly the only thing holding him back from a regular NHL spot is the loaded blue line the Capitals now possess. Pat Quinn
October 2014 – Kundratek cleared waivers and was sent down to Hershey in time for AHL training camp to begin. However he had been slowed by a groin injury at the start of training camp in the AHL which brought into question his availability for the season opener. He did play, registering two assists and went plus three in his first game back after only playing seven games last year due to a knee injury. In the four games played to date he has two assists, is plus four and has 10 shots. It will take him time to get his game back on track this year, and depending on his play he could be one of the first players called up if injuries occur for Washington. Pat Quinn
July 2013 – The Washington Capitals have signed Tomas Kundratek to a two-year contract extrension. Brendan Ross
June 2013 – Kundratek stuck with the Caps for a significant amount of time in the 2013 season, dressing for a total of 25 games before a leg injury put him out of commission. He registered seven points during that span, and although his ice-time increased along the way, the Caps chose not to dress the Czech defenseman in the playoffs once he had returned from injury, preferring to go with Oleksy and Hillen while Kundratek spent more time with Hershey (AHL). Kundratek registered a point in five playoff games for the Bears. With Oleksy and Hillen looking to be more short-term options, Kudratek has a legitimate shot at sticking with Washington in the fall and has pretty much paid his dues at the AHL level. Orlov however, a more promising prospect, poses direct competition for the 23 year-old. Nathan Kanter
January 2013 – He currently finds himself with the Capitals as they struggle to find offense from any source they can. Kundratek actually beat Dmitry Orlov out for a roster spot after leading Portland’s back end with 26 points in 41 games. His minus -13 in the AHL is a cause for alarm, leading the team in that category, but Washington seems willing to overlook that right now. Jason Banks
July, 2012 – Tomas Kundratek was acquired by the Capitals early in the 2011-12 season from the Rangers. The change of scenery was exactly what was needed. Thought to be a defensive defenseman, increased confidence allowed Kundratek to display good puck moving skills along with a powerful slapshot. He was often featured on the point of the Bears strong power play. He had 12 goals and 23 points in 55 games with the Bears. He was rewarded with a 5 game call up with the Capitals. Kundratek is a good-sized defenseman who is not afraid to get physical. Kundratek will compete for a spot on the Capitals defense, but will likely start in Hershey.
Starting to pick up where he left off before a knee injury took away his season. The only thing standing in his way to the NHL is a loaded Capitals blueline.
Footage:
Kundratek scores his first NHL goal:
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