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Czech right-wing Martin Kaut was seen as a mid-round pick earlier in the year. He had a breakout performance at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he played on a line with Carolina Hurricanes prospect Martin Necas and highly rated Filip Zadina. Kaut scored two goals and five assists for seven points in seven games during the tournament.
After the World Juniors, Kaut returned to Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga full of confidence. He put up six goals and four assists for 10 points in the final 14 games of the season. He added five points in seven playoff games. Kaut scored one point in four Champions Hockey League games. Overall he scored 22 points in 49 games playing against men this season.
Kaut was also part of the Czech team that won the country’s first-ever gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka tournament in 2016. He put up four points in five games in that competition. He was drafted by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the CHL Import Draft, but choose not to report to the team.
Martin Kaut Scouting Report
Right Wing — shoots Right
Born October 2nd, 1999 — Brno, Czech Republic
Height 6’1″ — Weight 176 lbs [188 cm / 80 kg]
Skating
Kaut has very good top end speed. However, his first step and his acceleration can be improved. This makes him dangerous in transition, however, in short bursts he can be beaten to loose pucks or open space. He has a powerful stride that allows him to fight through checks and get to the front of the net. Kaut also has excellent balance and is tough to knock off the puck. This can improve even more as he adds lower-body strength. He also has good edgework and agility, allowing him to fool defenders with quick turns and cuts.
Offensive Game
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 is also a talented playmaker. He anticipates plays well and makes strong passes to teammates. He works well in the cycle and can make tape-to-tape passes if a teammate finds open space in a scoring area. Kaut does a very good job working off the half-board on the powerplay and can control the game from there.
Defensive Game
Kaut is strong positionally and works on the backcheck. However, he doesn’t do well with physical play. While he is not afraid to take a hit to make a play, he isn’t one to impose his will on opponents along the boards or working down low. He is good at cutting down passing and shooting lanes. Kaut uses his stick to intercept passes. He is not afraid to put his body on the line to block shots.
Projection and Comparison
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. Stylistically Kaut’s game is similar to Marian Hossa, but this is not a reflection of his potential or ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the many highlight packages of Kaut that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
BUFFALO, NY – JANUARY 02: Martin Kaut #16 of Czech Republic during the third period of play against Finland in the IIHF World Junior Championships Quarterfinal game at the KeyBank Center on January 2, 2018, in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images Sport)
