Coyotes draft Michael Hrabal 38th overall
The Arizona Coyotes selected Michael Hrabal with the 38th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Michael Hrabal
Position: Goaltender
Height: 6-foot-6.75
Weight: 215 lbs
Catches: Left
Age: 18
Club: Omaha (USHL)
Nationality: 🇨🇿
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: 2nd among North American goaltenders
2022-23 stats
| GP | GAA | SV% | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 31 | 2.86 | .908 |
| U18 Worlds | 5 | 3.11 | .920 |
| Hlinka Gretzky Cup | 4 | 2.73 | .917 |
The 6-foot-6 Hrabal is the draft class' most exciting goaltending prospect, as he has a history of quality performances.
The Czech netminder made the move to North America this season, suiting up for the USHL's Omaha Lancers. Hrabal's .908 save percentage doesn't initially stand out, but he did play on one of the USHL's worst teams.
Hrabal was a workhorse on the international stage with Czechia, leading his nation to upset victories at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup over Finland and the U.S. to kick off the year. At the U18s, Hrabal faced 30 or more shots in all five of his starts. His 48 saves were the only reason why Czechia's 4-1 quarterfinal loss against the U.S. was remotely close.
Though Hrabal initially planned to begin his NCAA career in 2024, UMass announced in May that the goaltender will instead join its team this fall.
What they're saying
"He's got a great glove hand but has a tendency to try to catch low shots instead of making a pad save, I suspect because he doesn't trust his rebound control on quick shots," wrote The Athletic's Scott Wheeler. "I've seen him look completely in command, fill the net, and take everything away from shooters, and I've also seen him look clumsy and off-kilter."
"His size affords him the luxury of playing deep in his net and having to travel less distance to make saves laterally," Sportsnet's Jason Bukala wrote. "Pucks rarely bounced off him, resulting in second chances against."
"With Hrabal, the tools are obvious as a 6-foot-6 goalie who moves quite well for his size," wrote The Athletic's Corey Pronman. "He has the best chance to be a starter in this class. I can see him as a potential tandem goalie, or even as a legit No. 1."
Click here to watch Hrabal's highlights.