Marek Alscher

December 2024 – Heading into the season, Alscher knew he had much to prove. After not being a dominant WHLer, Alscher jumped to the AHL this fall and has quietly been one of the brightest spots on the Checkers’ defense. He has scored a pair of goals and added five more assists through 18 games in Charlotte. While his offense translates to the next level, his skating and physicality also translate to the AHL level. He has not been afraid to mix things up with veteran rivals and has grabbed the bull by the horns. Look for him to work his way up further in the Panthers’ system if he continues to improve at this rate. James Connelly

July 2024 – Alscher is coming off a strong final year in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks. His game is not based on his offense, and it likely never will be. Alscher’s bread and butter comes in the defensive zone, where he effectively blocks shots, gets his stick in lanes, and becomes an overall deterrent to offensive threats when in the defensive zone. He plays physically, but his skating limits his physicality. His lack of speed limits his overall upside and adds doubt to his NHL projection. Alscher will likely spend next year in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers and will have one of the most important years of his career. Hopefully, Alscher’s game can translate seamlessly to the pro level this year. James Connelly

December 2022 – Alscher’s strengths lie in his transition game and physicality. He makes successful breakout passes and zone exits at a decent rate and responds well to playing big minutes regularly. Look elsewhere in fantasy, however; his solid peripherals will probably not be enough to offset the fact that he has never scored much—even at lower levels. His role as a bottom-four defenceman for the Panthers NHL could materialize in a few years, provided he can improve his footspeed and continue to play a tight gap on opposing forwards. He will represent Team Czechia at the upcoming World Junior Championship. Ben Gehrels