NHL Prospect Profile: Martin Kaut

Statistics

Scout Quotes

Kaut is a pure goal scorer. His powerful skating ability allows him to drive the net. When he gets there, he has the quick hands to make moves in tight. He can also score by pouncing on rebounds or tipping in shots. Kaut has a very good wrist shot. It is accurate and powerful. He can fool goaltenders from further out with a quick release. Kaut’s snapshot is also above average. He can work on his one-timer though. A smart player, Kaut finds the soft spots in the defence to be open for these shots.

Kaut has the skills to be a top-six winger at the NHL level. He will need time to develop and add muscle and strength before he is ready for the pro game. He also needs to continue to refine his first few steps and his one-timer. – Last Word on Hockey

AJ’s Thoughts

I like watching Kaut play, especially with the puck. He’s got some big-time ability and he was the third amigo on the Czech Republic’s top line at the WJCs with Necas and Zadina and he was not out of place at all. He’s got great hands and a natural feel for scoring goals with a shot that would play in the NHL tomorrow. His skating is very good and after a health scare at the Combine, he’s been medically cleared so he can continue working on his game over the summer.

I don’t think he’s a guy that should be coming across to North America right away, especially given he’s likely to play a bigger role on his Czech team next year, but it shouldn’t be too long. Kaut has good size, great hands, a great shot, and underrated playmaking ability, which he really was able to show off at WJCs. His strength needs to improve before he hits the NHL but once it does, there isn’t anything really stopping him from becoming a top-six forward wherever he gets drafted. I don’t see a player that’s likely to fail here.

Highlights

Avalanche Fit

He’s a great fit! He has good size and as a right wing he fits into the organization’s weakest position. His skating and goal-scoring ability would be an instant boon to the system and he would slot in as Colorado’s top forward prospect immediately upon being drafted.

Rankings

#14 Hockey Prospect
#22 Future Considerations
#20 McKeen’s Hockey