Jiri Maxa

Player Overview Jiri Maxa is an 18-year-old Czech forward playing for HC Motor Ceske Budejovice U20, generating enough offensive production at the U20 level to warrant attention ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Current Production Over his last 10 games, Maxa has posted 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points, a rate that reflects a player who distributes the puck more readily than he shoots. The assist-heavy breakdown suggests his value at this stage is primarily as a facilitator rather than a primary scorer.

Key Attributes Maxa's production skews toward playmaking, indicating an ability to read developing plays and find teammates in space — a skill that translates across levels when paired with appropriate hockey sense. His assist totals in a limited sample suggest he processes the game at a reasonable pace for his age group. The minus-one differential is a minor flag worth monitoring, as it raises early questions about his defensive engagement away from the puck.

2026 Draft Outlook Based on available data, Maxa projects as a mid-to-late round candidate, with his playmaking instincts offering a legitimate developmental foundation for a professional organization. Before June, he needs to demonstrate a more consistent goal-scoring threat to avoid being categorized strictly as a secondary-play forward, which would narrow his perceived upside at the next level.