Vaclav Karabacek

March 2018 – Things are not looking good for the Sabres second rounder from 2014. He’s played 18 professional games in 2017-18, one in the AHL and 17 in the ECHL for the Cincinnati Cyclones and all he has to show for his work in a trio of assists. With one year left remaining on his entry-level deal, it’s hard to envision him getting a second contract at this point. Brad Phillips

Janurary 2017 – Vaclav has started to really contribute with the Amerks at the AHL level. Consistency is the key for him now. Karabacek has accumulated five points in his 14 games with the AHL club. He needs to step up in his own end while showing scouts that his is not just a development camp standout. Max Marko

May 2016 – The 2015-16 season was a troubling year for Karabacek, his 30 point total was a dip from his previous 40 point season. Despite this regression, Buffalo signed him to a three-year entry-level contract worth 2,100,004 (700,001 AAV). Buffalo is in need of offensive wingers, but likely will look elsewhere in the organization to fill that void. Karabacek is still at least two years away from cracking the Sabres lineup. Paul Zwambag

January 2016 – Karabacek made his Wildcats debut Friday night in Moncton. Posting a goal and an assist with two penalty minutes playing on the second line. Karabacek was traded December 21 in exchange for a first round draft pick in 2016 QMJHL Entry Draft. He has been hurt since December 5th, tonight was his first game back from his broken right thumb. Vaclav was also unable to play for the Czech Republic at the WJC this year. Paul Zwambag

December 2015 – Karabacek has been invited to the Czech Republic World Junior team FOR 2016, last year there were rumours he was cut because of some mistakes off the ice during team meetings. Karabacek has been given another chance to make the Czech roster. Vaclav is currently third in scoring for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar with 15 points, eight goals and seven assists. He is playing on the worst team in the QMJHL, five wins in 26 games played. His scoring totals are nowhere near the top of the league, but don’t let that discourage you if you have him on your fantasy farm team. He could develop into a second/third line winger, but that will still be a few years away. Don’t give up on him yet. – Paul Zwambag

September 2015 – Vaclav Karabacek had a great Prospects Challenge tournament for the Sabres. He skated in both games recording one goal, one assist, five shots on goal and a plus one. He also played in the Sabres first preseason game, but was unable to get on the score sheet with over eight minutes of ice time. Karabacek played 75% of his time with Jean Dupuy and Matt Ellis. Vaclav was sent back to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL for his third junior year, he was cut before the Sabres’ second preseason game. Paul Zwambag

May 2015 – Karabacek was traded midway through his QMJHL year, starting the year with Gatineau Olympiques and finishing with Baie-Comeau Drakkar. He ended up with 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists), 62 penalty minutes and a minus-6. He showed he could score in big games in the first two rounds of the QMJHL playoffs, scoring 11 points in 12 games played. He has produced over a point per game in the QMJHL playoffs (1.10 pts/game) over his two-year junior career. Vaclav played a more complete game this past season, showing he is capable on both sides of the puck and being a great support player. He is still in the developing stages and should be an effective scorer when he makes it to the NHL. Paul Zwambag

June 2014 – The Buffalo Sabres selected Vaclav Karabacek 49th overall at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

June 2014 – Czech winger Vaclav Karabacek debuted with the Gatineau Olympiques and had an impressive rookie season notching 21 goals and 47 points in contests. Karabacek helped propel the Czech Republic to a silver medal at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship adding a trio of goals and six points in seven games. He is a sturdy forward who works the dirty areas well and while he doesn’t possess top end speed, he is elusive and agile in movement. Look for Karabacek to develop his skating and acclimate himself more to the North American game as he takes the next step in his development. Projects as a mid-round pick and could be selected as high as the second round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.  Brendan Ross