Matyas Melovsky – 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Hockey Writers –
Matyas Melovsky
2023-24 Team: Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Date of birth: May 25, 2004
Place of birth:
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 175 pounds
Shots: Right
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: Draft Eligible +2
Levels
Matyas Melovsky is a 20-year-old who was passed over twice in this draft. Part of this was due to the fact that he missed three months of his draft season with an injured reserve, but his performance this season has renewed interest in the center. He may have only had 18 goals in 53 games, but he combined with 42 assists for 60 points. He also showed his ability to play at the World Juniors, where he scored one goal and had ten assists to help Czechia win the bronze medal. This performance put him on the radar of NHL GMs as a senior who should not be ignored in the upcoming draft.
Melovsky runs the offense with give-and-go’s and effective zone. Despite the label of being a playmaker, he is offensively talented but also a star in his field. He had already attracted interest in the NHL, receiving an invitation and taking part in the Detroit Red Wings’ 2023 player camp.
Related: THW 2024 NHL Draft Guide
At 6-foot-2, Melovsky already has the body to play in the NHL’s scouting game. His versatile tools, attention to detail defensively, and ability to engage and strip opponents of the puck project well in the NHL. He has a mature game and is a real playmaker for his team. A tricky set-up man, he’s ready with the puck and takes as much time as he’s given before distributing. He shows good decision making and puck handling, as he often chooses a good option and rarely makes mistakes.
Melovsky’s physical skills help fuel his entire game. He will lean on his opponents, squeeze them away from the puck, and quickly send it to his teammates. But he is not just a complementary player. His swagger and his occasional hanging under the sticks are also skills that have made him stand out. These skills also make him a catalyst on the power play, where he attacks with a combination of penalty killing units.
Some THW Draft profiles
Matyas Melovsky – NHL Draft Projection
Although Melovský is older than other players in this category (D+2), many aspects of his game show that he can still improve. While this could see him selected in the back-to-back rounds, don’t be surprised if he is taken in the fifth or even fourth round.
Measurements
“I think it’s easy to point out that Melovsky can play a role at the NHL level and if he’s not in the top six, he’s in the bottom six because he can play the power play, kill penalties. He is a great skater, very fast, and has good vision. He’s a pass-first kind of guy. He’ll finish once in a while, but he’s a playmaker. He does so many things well that you think the team will step up for him.” – Jean-Francois Damhouse, of NHL Central Scouting
“Player Melovsky played amazingly for the world’s youngest players, registering 10 assists and 11 points on his way to the bronze medal. It helped highlight a fantastic season for the second-year QMJHL forward, who is on pace for a 50-assist season. Few big guys can move the puck and find teammates in open space like Melovsky – especially on the man gain. I don’t like him at 5-on-5 all the time because I feel like he can get caught floating too much, but I think the team will pick him up. ” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff
“Melovský continues to light up the scoring sheet in the QMJHL, building on last year’s points per game season with 1.26 this season. His versatility is what stands out. He is a very smart forward and a good shooter and that makes him a threat to score every time he steps on the ice. If the puck doesn’t go to him, Melovský can easily come in as a playmaker.” – Merek Novotny, EP Rinkside
Power
- The body
- Level of competition
- A strong two-way player
Under Construction – Improvements To Be Made
- Skating
- Improve overall offensive skills
NHL Power
Melovsky has made great progress over the past few seasons, and is now ready to get his chance to play in the NHL. If he can work on his shooting and skating, he could potentially be a three-point distributor at the NHL level.
Risk Reward Analysis
Risk – 3/5, Reward – 3/5
The Power of Fantasy Hockey
Offense – 5/10, Defense – 6/10
Awards/Achievements
2024 – U20 WJC Bronze Medal
2024 – U20 WJC Top Assists (10)
Discussions/Links
Matyas Melovsky – Mathematics
Videos
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