David Sedlacek – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

David Sedlacek

2025-26 Team: HC Energie Karlovy Vary U20 (Czechia U20)
Date of Birth: January 06, 2008
Place of Birth: Zatec, Czechia
Ht: 6-foot-2 Wt: 172 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible

Rankings

• NHL Central Scouting (Mid-Term): 43rd (among Int skaters)

David Sedlacek is an interesting two-way center from Czechia who looks like a legit NHL draft pick thanks to his good positioning, complete play, and interesting frame in the making. He’s not an overly gifted player in the offensive zone, but he can grow into a good role player with good energy and a strong two-way game. Sedlacek had his debut in the Czech top-flight league this season, collecting one game for HC Energie Karlovy Vary.

The Czech side is known to NHL fans for its goalies. Born in Karlovy Vary is former NHL goalie Tomas Vokoun, just as Detroit Red Wings draftee Jan Bednar. Sedlacek was a member of the Czech team that just captured bronze at the recent 2026 U18 World Championship in Slovakia, where he scored two goals throughout the tournament. The Czech team featured three players from Karlovy Vary, with 2027-eligible Petr Tomek and goalie Martin Pohlavec joining Sedlacek on the international stage – a great result for a middle-of-the-pack team.

The young forward potted 11 goals and 28 points in 44 regular-season games for Karlovy Vary in the Czech junior league, adding six points with two goals and four assists in eight postseason outings. Solid numbers for an 18-year-old who is facing older competition. As he grows, Sedlacek must work hard on his game, but he has solid foundations to work on. He was recently drafted in the United States Hockey League (USHL) Phase II Draft by the Waterloo Black Hawks alongside fellow Czech goalie Sebastian Charvat.

David Sedlacek – NHL Draft Projection

At this point, it’s hard to gauge Sedlacek as more than a fifth-round pick, considering his lack of offensive explosiveness or other standout skills. His frame is good, but not excellent, just as most of his game. However, with the right coaching and continued development, he can become an interesting role player in the bottom-six.

His versatility, ambition, speed, and energy can help him achieve his goal to be drafted by an NHL team, but one shouldn’t hold their breath for a high pick or instant success at the pro level.

Quotables

“The appeal when it comes to Sedlacek is his size/skating ratio first and foremost, and his rather physical power-forward style. Though his mechanics aren’t perfect, and he needs refinement on his stiff, choppy stride, he manages to generate good speed for a big man, which he puts to use as an effective and disruptive forechecker, as well as a conscientious defensive contributor. He plays a fairly detailed game throughout all 200-feet of the ice, and while he isn’t really mean or edgy (only 8 PIM), he finishes his checks, works hard in puck-battles, and forces turnovers in all three zones with his smart positioning and active stick.” – Upside Hockey

Strengths

• A versatile player who can play 200-foot hockey
• Has shown speed and poise
• Finishes his checks and is a hard worker

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

• Doesn’t have top offensive tools
• Needs some seasoning and coaching

NHL Potential

Sedlacek positions himself as an interesting low-round option with bottom-six potential. He doesn’t come with the “superstar” tag, but can contribute in the defensive zone, work hard in the corners, and provide some playmaking skills.

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 3/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 6/10 Defense: 6/10

David Sedlacek Stats

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