Marek Ziak

Player Overview Marek Ziak is a 19-year-old Slovak left wing who enters the 2026 draft cycle with meaningful late-stage momentum, having contributed to Slovakia's run to the U-18 World Championship final — a result that places him squarely on NHL scouts' radars heading into June.

Current Production Over his last 10 games with HKM Zvolen U20, Ziak posted 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points at a minus-1, numbers that suggest a player whose offensive output skews more toward finishing than distribution at the domestic U20 level.

Key Attributes Ziak's most notable quality this spring has been his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes international competition, contributing to a Slovak side that eliminated opponents en route to a championship final appearance. His production profile — goals outpacing assists — points to a shooter-first winger with instincts around the net rather than a primary playmaker. His performance against Latvia in the semifinal, a physical and defensively structured opponent, suggests a willingness to compete when games carry elimination weight.

2026 Draft Outlook Ziak projects as a mid-to-late round candidate whose international showing in May has likely strengthened his positioning relative to where he sat based on domestic numbers alone. Before draft day, he needs to demonstrate improved consistency as a secondary creator, as his assist rate at the U20 level remains the clearest limiting factor in projecting offensive upside at higher levels.