Team: Boston Bruins
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2025/6/28/24457913/bruins-select-defenseman-vashek-richards-blanar

Fantasy Summary

An NHL-sized defenseman who has put up decent offense at the lower Swedish levels for a big defenseman. Raw, with a long wait.


Observations

March 2026 – Vashek Blanar has been one of the more intriguing European prospects to watch this season. The 18-year-old spent most of the year with HV71’s U20 Nationell squad, recording 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 30 games, while also appearing in three games with the SHL club. Though he didn’t record a point at the senior level, earning a look at just 18 is impressive and speaks to his upside. He was also part of Team Czechia’s World Junior Championship roster, though he did not suit up, and he is committed to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst for next season.
Blanar is extremely raw but made a strong impression at last summer’s Boston Bruins development camp, showcasing tools that immediately caught the attention of scouts. At 6-4, he pairs size with surprising skating ability. His mobility has improved significantly since moving to Sweden, and Bruins GM Don Sweeney has noted skating as one of his most attractive attributes.
Defensively, Blanar uses his frame and long reach to disrupt plays and consistently plays a shutdown role. He is physical without being reckless and demonstrates strong instincts in his own zone. While primarily a stay-at-home defenseman, he has flashed offensive ability, including puck-moving skills and occasional power-play time in international play, hinting at upside beyond his defensive game.
Though still developing and raw, Blanar’s combination of size, skating, and defensive awareness makes him a prospect to monitor closely. With continued refinement, he has the potential to grow into a reliable two-way blueliner at the next level. – Kenny Kaminsky

August 2025 – Blanar stands in at a hulking 6-4 and 183lbs and put up decent offensive numbers in the J18 league in Sweden. Posting 21 points in 38 games, Blanar is a bit of a curious player. While he doesn’t have the mobility smaller skaters have, he can still hold his own, keeping up with the pace of play well and often times does not find himself out of position. He has an average shot with other various offensive tools. The Bruins hope they can reign him in and mold him to become a bottom pair defender who can match up with opponents bottom-six lines and possibly bear the brunt of some tough match ups. But it will be a while before that becomes a reality. Sean Crocker

June 2025 – Selected at one hundredth overall, Vashek Blanar is now a member of the Boston Bruins.  Alex Wyatt

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 3.5
NHL Certainty 3.5
Country CZE
Position D
Roster Type U20 Nationell
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth April 22, 2007
Height 6‘4”
Weight 183 lbs
Drafted 2025 Round 4; Overall: 100
The 20th Annual Fantasy Prospects Report
Now available, no subscription needed. Find out more about over 500 prospects!

Stats – Frozen Tools – Profile on FT

SeasonLeagueTeamGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2025-2026U20 NationellHV71 U20305101557-12
2025-2026SHLHV71300000
2024-2025J20 RegionIF Troja-Ljungby J20401140
2024-2025J18 RegionIF Troja-Ljungby J183861521590
2023-2024J18 Div.1Hasselby Kalvesta HC U1828162238570
2023-2024Division 4Hasselby Kalvesta HC201100
2022-2023Czechia U17 2AZ Havirov U17400060
2022-2023Czechia U17HC Vitkovice U1790006-2
2021-2022MMCRMoravskoslezsky kraj U15702200
2021-2022Czechia U17HC Ocelari Trinec U17310126

Highlights