Observations:

May 2016 – Nakladal made the most of opportunities as fellow blue-liners were traded and out with suspensions. This resulted in seeing second PP time. Nakladal proved he was more than capable as an NHL caliber option but didn't recieve much more than 15 minutes per game till 9 games left in the season. Moving forward, Nakladal at least showed he can add special teams minutes to his resume in the NHL, but I would expect there to be other options available for the Flames long term. He is currently UFA but I expect bottom-pairing jobs available to him around the NHL if Flames choose to move on. – Joel Henderson

Feb 2016 – What a memorable debut for Nakladal. He began the game with two shifts on the bottom pairing and never saw anything afterwards. It is only a matter of time where he gets a full game in but Hartley may only use him for 10-12 minutes at most. As long as the team is healthy, Nakladal will not recieve any power play minutes and remains a depth option. His low shooting percentage for Stockton does not yet warrent those minutes regardless. – Joel Henderson

Oct 2015 – After being called up to the Flames briefly, he's been returned to Stockton after being a healthy scratch. It seems like it might take an injury or one of the trade speculation rumors to become true to see Nakladal play in a Flames regular season game. He currently sits as the first defensive call up, even with Kulak already with a few NHL games under his belt. – Joel Henderson

Oct 2015 – Heat are choosing to go with four forwards on the powerplay with Nakladal on the point. It paid off early with two PP assists. He later on added an even-strength goal. His slapshot and powerplay experience internationally seem to have given him opportunity. If he gets a call up to the NHL, this could be a secondary option for the Flames. – Joel Henderson

May 2015 – Jakub has been pretty active and busy overseas playing for teams in Czech leagues, KHL, and most recently Lilga for TPS. He skated with the Czech team at the 2015 World Championship and finished second in points by a defenceman with five assists in 10 games but was a minus three. Multiple reports had between 3-5 NHL teams interested in him especially after the WC, but he opted to sign a one year, two-way ELC with the Flames.

Nakladal is a defensive defenseman who thrives when he is around his own net. He has the ability to adapt to different playing situations which will make the transition over to North America all the more interesting. At this point in time, his success will be shown in his ability to adapt to a different tempo of play rather than the development of skill set. He can be very effective clearing the net with his physicality on the penalty kill, and loves to shoot the puck in the offensive zone with a good slapshot. He has been used on the PP with Czech in the past because of his shooting abilities as well. His weaknesses include his skating speed/mobility as well as his puck handling skills as he tends to not be very fancy as it can get him into trouble. The Calgary Flames have been boasting about bringing in more right handed defenseman and at his age he fits the mold. He will be in charge of his own destiny to see whether he plays in Calgary or Stockton next season.   Joel Henderson

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Potential to be a solid depth NHL defenseman who blocks shots and excels on the penalty kill. It is more realistic to see him be a Top 4 AHL player or a 7th D in the NHL. Has not shown the ability to put up significant points or game changing penalty minutes but he can contribute quietly.

Footage:

Highlight video:

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World Championship goal at 0:26:

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