Matěj Pekař

Player Overview Matěj Pekař is a 19-year-old Czech center with WHL experience through the Seattle Thunderbirds who has returned to European play with HC Ambrì-Piotta in the Swiss National League, giving him exposure to professional-caliber competition at an unusually young age. His participation in Czech under-20 international play, including a recent Five Nations tournament win over Slovakia, keeps him on the radar ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Current Production Over his last 10 games in the NL, Pekař has posted 2G–2A–4PTS at an even plus/minus, modest totals for a draft-eligible player competing in one of Europe's most defensively structured leagues. The numbers suggest a player who contributes at the margins offensively without yet driving possession or generating at an elite rate.

Key Attributes Pekař's most notable trait is his ability to operate in professional environments across two continents — WHL and the Swiss NL — which speaks to adaptability and a mature compete level for his age group. His two-way positioning at center in a defensively demanding league like the NL indicates at least baseline defensive awareness, a quality many draft-eligible forwards lack. His Czech U20 performances against Slovakia demonstrate functional playmaking in structured international systems.

2026 Draft Outlook Pekař projects as a mid-to-late round candidate, likely in the range of rounds four through six, given his professional experience but unspectacular offensive output. The one clear priority before June is elevating his scoring rate against NL competition to demonstrate he can generate consistently, not just contribute sporadically.