Matej Novak

Player Overview Matej Novak is an 18-year-old Czech forward playing in the second tier of Czech U20 competition with HC Chrudim, a level that warrants close monitoring for scouts tracking late-emerging prospects ahead of the 2026 Draft.

Current Production Over his last 10 games, Novak has recorded 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points at a +2 rating, a modest output that suggests a player trending toward playmaking over pure scoring at this stage of his development.

Key Attributes The +2 differential across a 10-game stretch indicates some degree of defensive awareness or at minimum a willingness to contribute in both directions, which is a positive signal at the junior level. His assist-heavy line in a secondary league suggests he may process the play ahead of the puck reasonably well, functioning more as a distributor than a primary scorer. At this level, sustaining a positive rating alongside point production points to a two-way awareness that scouts can build on.

2026 Draft Outlook Given the limited sample size and the secondary nature of his current competition level, Novak profiles as a deep late-round consideration at best, likely outside the top 150 unless a strong second half or tournament performance dramatically shifts his profile. The most pressing developmental need is elevating his offensive output — specifically his goal-scoring — against stronger competition to demonstrate he can impose himself at a higher tier.