2023 NHL Draft: Dalibor Dvorsky Profile for the Chicago Blackhawks

Slovak center prospect Dalibor Dvorsky is a name that alot of NHL fans already know. He is well regarded around scout communities and casual fan bases as a potential top half of the 1st round selection. I am here to tell you that not only is that true, but that we should consider him if drafting in the 4-7 range as well.

Dalibor is young for the class yet still supports a hefty 6'1 201lb left shot frame. He plays for AIK in the HockeyAllsvenskan, which is in the 2nd division of the SHL (Sweden). In the 14 team league, AIK is an average team (currently in 8th place as of this writing). They have some talented players and a few NHL drafted forwards. It is Dvorsky that gets most of the publicity though.

Not many 17 year olds have the type of mature and confident game that he has. Out of the 1st round prospects in this draft Dvorsky is one of the more trusted players from my point of view. Please click this paragraph for a review of my top 50 players in this draft.

At the present moment Dalibor has 11 points in 28 contests. That's quite good production at this high of a level for a 17 year old that won't turn 18 until the summer. His game is a 200 foot 2 way game that leans on puck skill and his dedication to the details of being in the right places in the flow of a game. It is very clear when watching his game that he has a high IQ, either in defensive alignment or offensive attack.

In the recent World Juniors, Dvorsky played well netting 3 points in 5 games, including a goal against the Americans seen below:

The recent explosion of Slovakian talent has seen their national development produce alot of NHL prospects that have done well transitioning to the NHL game and ice. I do not see alot of holes in his game. He could have better straight line speed and could make the extra pass at times, but I don't think Dvorsky is anything but an elite prospect at this stage. I believe he should be drafted in the 5-9 range and I wouldn't be upset if the Blackhawks ended up with him.

I know some of the readers here are "Bedard or Bust", however I've seen enough from this player to pencil him into a top 2 center role in the NHL after 1 more season in the SHL (he is contracted through 23/24). He is a big left shot center that can play a 2 way game, is good at faceoffs, and has a fantastic compete level. There is a lot to like.

If you watch the above highlights you'll notice he really runs the team from the center of the ice with his head up looking for the right play. He has a finishing ability as well. This is a complete prospect that should not be discounted by Blackhawks' fans.