Though it’s been expected since being selected 11th-overall in the CHL import draft, the Halifax Mooseheads confirmed today that Filip Zadina would be coming to North America to suit up for the junior club this season. Zadina is primed to be a top-10 selection in the 2018 draft, and will help replace the hole left on Halifax if Nico Hischier does indeed jump right to the NHL.
Halifax is attempting to secure the 2019 Memorial Cup, and Zadina would help them immensely in the tournament should he stay for a second season. Despite pedestrian totals playing in the Czech leagues last season, the 17-year old is an incredible offensive player that is dangerous from anywhere in the offensive zone. His shot is advanced for his age and he has top-level creativity on both the rush and cycle.
At his international tournaments he’s already played extremely well for the Czech Republic and will be in the U20 World Junior tournament this season. With a big year for Halifax in the QMJHL, Zadina could climb up into the top-5 in the draft and be considered among the best prospects available. In what should be a solid draft class, he’s one of the more interesting prospects to keep an eye on. Halifax is full of 2018 draft-eligible players and could easily improve from their relatively poor 2016-17 season.