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Slovakian centre Milos Roman was the sixth overall pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft. While his first season with the Vancouver Giants was derailed by an ankle injury, he produced very well when healthy. Roman finished the year with 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 39 games. He took on a lot of responsibility as a 17-year-old WHL rookie, centring the team’s top line, and playing key minutes in all situations. Roman was even better in the playoffs. He put up three goals and three assists for six points in seven games. Unfortunately the Giants lost a hard-fought series to the Victoria Royals in the first round.
Roman has long been a staple on Slovakian national teams. He played two straight years at the Ivan Hlinka tournament, picking up nine points in eight games over the 2015 and 2016 tournaments. He also played two years at the IIHF Under-18s, picking up four points over 10 games. Roman has played at the last two World Junior Championships, picking up four points over nine games. He has even played in a pair of exhibition games with the men’s national team, picking up a point in the process.
Milos Roman Scouting Report
Centre — shoots Left
Born November 6th, 1999 — Kysucke Nove Mesto, Slovakia
Height 6’0 — Weight 188 lbs [183 cm/85 kg]
Skating
Roman is a very good skater despite not possessing elite speed. While his top-end speed is above average, he is not a burner. However, his first step and acceleration are very good, which help him to win short races to the puck or to drive past a defender and get to the net when he gets a step on him. He has very good agility and edgework. This allows Roman to weave in and out of traffic, and to get around defenders. He is also strong on his skates, with good lower body strength. Roman can fight through checks. He has good balance and is difficult to knock off the puck.
Offensive Game
The bread and butter of Roman’s game is his playmaking ability. He has excellent vision and high-end hockey IQ. Roman sees plays developing and finds open teammates in traffic. He can make passes through tight areas, and threads the needle on defenders, or makes an accurate saucer pass on a teammates tape. Roman is a good stick-handler and uses his body to protect the puck on the cycle. He can extend plays and allow a teammate the time and space to get open. Roman works hard to pressure defenders in the corners, creating turnovers on the forecheck. He wins battles for pucks, and when he does, can quickly turn that into a scoring chance.
The majority of Roman’s goals come in close to the net. He has the soft hands and quick release to score in tight. He also has the hand-eye coordination to get tip-ins and pounce on rebounds. However, Roman lacks power in his wrist shot and one-timer. His shot does not challenge goalkeepers from further out. He will need to add some power to be a goal scorer at the next level.
Defensive Game
Roman is already good defensively. He reads the play well and cuts down passing and shooting lanes. He is a conscientious back-checker, supporting the defence down low against the cycle game. Roman has a quick stick and can poke check opponents or steal passes to create turnovers. Once he does, he is quick to move the puck up the ice and create offensive chances. He is also good in the face-off circle.
Projection and Comparison
If he develops to his potential Roman could be a middle-six centre, capable of playing a two-way game at the NHL level. He will need to work on his shot, as he could become a bit too predictable without one. As a late birthday, Roman has one more year of junior eligibility before he is likely to head to the AHL. His style mirrors that of David Krejci, but this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill and ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages of Roman that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
EVERETT, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Vancouver Giants forward Milos Roman (40) skates to the bench during a game between the Vancouver Giants and the Everett Silvertips on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Xfinity Arena in Everett, Washington. Everett defeated Vancouver by a final score of 5-2. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
