Dominik Badinka

February 2024 – Badinka is my pick for the likely late riser in this draft class, as his type of profile and toolkit rarely goes overlooked among NHL teams. He’s very mobile, composed under pressure, and a consistently capable breakout passer. He uses his aggression, scanning, and physicality in tandem with his mobility to effectively defend the rush and the slot at the SHL level. His handling remains quite limited (3.5-grade tool) which limits his on-puck offense, but his fluid off-puck rotations in the offensive zone help create space, time, and defensive confusion. His game exudes maturity, which has been routinely tested by SHL competition; he keeps the simple and effective play in his back pocket while scanning for more dangerous options, making his fall-back option a consistently smart one. Some tool refinement will be needed for Badinka to project as a clear top 4 talent in the NHL, but he already possesses many important building blocks for a modern meat-and-potatoes defenseman. Sebastian High