Canucks: Karel Plasek signs three-year entry level contract

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: A general view of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: A general view of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

The Vancouver Canucks have officially signed another 2019 draft pick.

On June 1st, the club announced that they had signed forward Karel Plasek to a three-year entry-level contract.

Drafted 175th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the Czech forward signed his first North American deal after spending his developmental career in his home country, most recently playing for HC Kometa Brno in the Czech Extraliga.

The winger will be crossing the Atlantic after recording a career-high in goals (six) and points (10) through 44 games in his third season in the Czech Republic’s top-tier.

But, while considered a speedy winger with an eye for offence in his draft year, the primary concern with Plasek was his weight (or lack thereof). However, Canucks fans would be delighted to know that his physical maturity has caught up to his technical skillset.

Listed at 5’11”, 154 pounds in his draft year, Plasek has now filled out his frame, as he now measures at 6’0″ and tips the scale at 181 pounds.

The Czech has long been lauded for his offensive ability, securing a full-time roster spot in the Czech first-tier shortly after he was drafted, and, as he has matured, he’s begun to see more looks on the ice.

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Looking at Plasek’s sixth goal of the year, he anticipates the pass across the point and takes advantage of the open ice and slots home a slick wrister far side.

Looking ahead, expect Plasek to compete for meaningful minutes in Abbotsford. As far as roster construction goes, there is much uncertainty surrounding the Canucks’ newly-relocated AHL team, as there look to be many unfilled slots in the lineup as of now.

If the 2019 draft pick can transition his game to the North American ice, he has the opportunity to impress management and fans alike in close proximity to the big club, and for a sixth-round pick, you can’t ask for much more. Keep your eyes peeled for Plasek in Abbotsford next season.

What do you think of the team’s latest signing, Canucks fans? Let us know in the comments below!