Brabenec is an athletic teenager who displays a ton of room for growth. Played center at times this season in the Czech Republic and has the right mix of tools to be a center at higher levels as he develops. He already shows flashes of power in his game, and it’s easy to see how that will keep getting better as he improves his strength and conditioning. Gets great extension in his skating strides and plays with a ton of energy and pace, which is a combination that allows him to be involved in the play all over the ice. Makes something positive happen almost every shift, in all three zones, thanks to his great motor and focus. He is very advanced defensively, pressing hard without the puck and correctly reading the right situations to go steal it, recover it or just break up a play. Shoulder checks often to keep track of what’s going on around him. Has jam and intensity to his game, chasing down opponents and getting into dirty areas with enthusiasm. Can look like a seasoned pro as he uses a free arm to fend off an opponent while protecting the puck with the other. Controls and protects the puck well, and can make quick and accurate decisions with it. Can find his teammates with simple passes up close and far away, though he doesn’t seem overly creative as a playmaker. Shot mechanics are a little stiff right now, but they can be improved, and it’s easy to see how he will continue to add power behind his shot. Not an impact player offensively yet, though he looks like a guy who could grow his game in that area, especially once he starts playing against more competition his own age, opposed to being a teen in a men’s league. Brabenec has great upside as a bottom-6 forward and might even become someone who plays a support role in an NHL team’s top two lines one day.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide