NHL Mock Draft 2018: No.30 — Martin Kaut
The rebuild is on in Detroit and the 2018 NHL Draft is going help in a big way.
The Red Wings own the No.6, No.30, No.33 and No.36 picks in the first two rounds. Additionally, they own three third round picks and two second and third round picks in next years draft.
Detroit is often lauded for their scouting and drafting ability, so they could add a bunch of high-end talent to their already solid prospect pool this weekend.
I had the Red Wings taking defenseman Quinn Hughes with the No.6 overall pick so I expect them to look for a few forwards in the late first-round/early second-round.
With the No.30 Overall Pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings select…
Martin Kaut — RW — Czech Republic ????????
Kaut is highly regarded by a lot of scouts and would be a steal if he trickles down to the Red Wings at No.30. Kaut may come to North America for the 2019 season, but spent last year playing in the top Czech league as an 18-year-old. Playing with men, Kaut is low on the depth chart but he still picked up nine goals and seven assists (16 points) in 38 games. While getting a top-line opportunity at the World Juniors, Kaut recorded seven points (2G / 5A) in seven games.
Kaut is a reliable 200-foot player who can score and set up his linemates. Kaut has drawn some comparisons to fellow Czech winger Jakub Voracek. Kaut has the potential to be a great middle-6 player for the Red Wings down the road.
Scouting Report
“The eye test says he looks like a pro. Has good compete, rarely takes shifts off and plays an honest game in an underrated Czech league.” — Sam Cosentino (SportsNet)
Kaut, an energy player for Pardubice, had an outstanding world juniors debut by picking up three assists — all primary — while playing the wing with Zadina and Necas. All three of his passes were right on the tape or in a perfect spot to unload from, as the tallies from both Necas and Kral were one-timers off dishes from Kaut, who was the 24th pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft but chose to stay with Pardubice for another season. Keep in mind, Kaut isn’t just some sort of flashy playmaker — he’s a highly-responsible 200-foot player who plays in all situations.” — Steve Kournianos (SportingNews)
Rankings
- #14 — HockeyProspect.com
- #22 — FutureConsiderations.ca
- #13 — ISSHockey.com