The Chicago Blackhawks selected left winger Michael Teply, a native of the from the Czech Republic, with the No. 105 overall pick in the fourth round of the NHL Draft Saturday in Vancouver.
Teply, who turned 18 years old on May 27, is another large player at 6-foot-3, 191 pounds. Last season, he split his time between three teams in the Czech league. In eight games with Bili Tygri Liberec’s U-19 team, he scored four goals with five assists. After earning a promotion to Bili Tygri Liberec’s top team, he skated 15 games and notched just two assists. Teply was also loaned out to HC Benatky nad Jizerous, playing 23 games with four goals and six assists.
Teply is 6-foot-3 but a long-term project of a prospect. Had 2 pts in 15 games in the Czech pro league, but 29 pts in 25 games with the Czech national U18 team.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 22, 2019
Teply was a top-75 prospect in most rankings and was named the No. 14 European skater by NHL’s Central Scouting. Corey Pronman of The Athletic had Teply ranked 67th overall and described the winger as a prospect who “needs work” but could be a worthwhile NHLer if he can develop in the next 3-4 seasons.
From Jared Book at SB Nation’s Habs Eyes on the Prize:
Teply has a lot of skill and combines that with solid offensive instincts. His best attributes are stick handling and passing, but he’s also able to score himself. He has a solid wrist shot and quick release, but he’s better at creating for his teammates. His shot gets blocked a lot, and he needs to work on getting it through traffic. He sees the ice very well, and has the ability to move the puck in the right direction.
There’s certainly some offensive upside available from Teply, but a few more seasons in Europe and likely some more time with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL would be necessary before Teply’s able to make his leap to the NHL. And he could be in North America as soon as next hockey season, according to Teply’s post-draft press conference:
Teply said he hopes to play in the CHL next year. Has played entirely in Czech Rep. to this point.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 22, 2019