Katolicky's Rise: Czech Winger's Journey to NHL

0:00It's April 16th. This is NHL News Today, your AI-powered team coverage. Simon Katoliki, the 6'4 Czech winger weighing 198 pounds, made ways by jumping from his home league to Finland's. To pair a U-18 program in summer, 2024, as the youngest standout in Czech juniors, he lit it up with 24 goals and 28 assists for 52 points in just 30 games, ranking among the league's top scores right away. The sets him apart is that pro-ready frame, paired with killer offensive instincts. He bullies boards, drives the net, and unleashes a quick, deadly shot, even running power plays at that level. His puck handling shines too, no fumbles under pressure. Just smart shielding and quick passes to open teammates. This season, he stepped up to top-erase U-20 squad, facing guys 2-3 years older, and his points dipped to 6 goals in 11 assists in. 29 games. That's normal adjustment to tougher pace and structure, especially learning off-puck

1:02play without the puck luck from below. Internationally, he's rep Czechia at Youth Olympics, U-17 Challenge, and U-18 Worlds, though a nagging injury muted his last showing. Sarni Estin grab him 11th overall in the 2025 CHL import draft, calling him an elite talent eyeing a high NHL spot in 20. 26. Katoliki's draft stock swings wide. 17th among Euro skaters per NHL central scouting, belower on some boards, hinging on boosting his skating, to mash that size, and shot. A big U-18 Worlds in Slovakia could lock him in second round range, turning raw tools into top-9 winger potential.