Martin Haronik, Bratislava Jr.
Still just 17 until late July, Martin Haronik already possesses incredible size at 6’5, 205 lbs, and that could cause someone to reach for him in the NHL Draft. But if nobody takes him before the Red Wings pick in the fourth - they have the Stars fourth-round selection - he’s someone for Steve Yzerman to consider more than perhaps the three previously listed names.
In 2023-24, Haronik experienced quite the ride in Slovakia, playing well at times and not so well at others. His worst outing came in Team Slovakia U18 in Slovakia2, where he allowed a 5.50 GAA and an 0.865 save percentage, not the ideal numbers you look for.
But as with some of the names also listed before him, that’s simply a product of a bad hockey team, so it’s hard to judge Haronik’s play too much based on them. Look at what he did across his five appearances with HC Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia U20. There, Haronik maximized his chances, finishing the year with a 0.921 save percentage, a 4-1-0 record, and a 2.41 GAA.
He also started two playoff games and posted a 1-1 record with a 0.907 save percentage and a 2.53 GAA. The best bet overall would be for Haronik to spend time in Sweden, where he played before the 2023-24 season, or to even play junior hockey in the CHL, regardless of which system he’s drafted into.