![\"Michal](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Michal-Pradel-Slovakia-1200x960.jpg\")
Michal Pradel, Team Slovakia (Photo by Leila Devlin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nMichal Pradel <\/p>\n
2024-25 Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Date of Birth: Mar 10, 2007
Place of Birth: Dolny Kubin, Slovakia
Ht: 6-foot-5 Wt: 194 pounds
Catches: Left
Position: Goaltender
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible<\/p>\n
Rankings<\/p>\n
Michal Pradel has developed into one of Slovakia\u2019s top goaltending prospects, with his talent and work ethic placing him among the most exciting players eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Standing at 6-foot-5, Pradel relies on his size to command the crease, using a wide stance and butterfly to cover the net. He combines this with quick lateral movements, strong t-pushes, and explosive reactions to make himself a challenging presence for opposing shooters. Though he occasionally drops early when tracking the puck, his scanning habits and situational awareness allow him to stay ahead of the play and adjust his positioning effectively.<\/p>\n
Michal Pradel, Team Slovakia (Photo by Leila Devlin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Pradel began his career in Slovakia\u2019s junior leagues with MHK Dolny Kubin and Draci Liptovsky Mikulas, where he showcased significant growth. In the 2022-23 season, he posted a 2.81 goals-against average (GAA) and a .921 save percentage (SV%) over 34 games at the U18 level. His performances earned him opportunities on the international stage, representing Slovakia\u2019s U16 team with standout numbers\u2014a 2.00 GAA and .933 SV% in two games. The following season, Pradel maintained his strong form at Draci Liptovsky Mikulas U18, finishing with a .922 SV% in 38 games and contributing in the U20 playoffs.<\/p>\n
In Feb. 2025, Pradel took the next step in his career by joining the Tri-City Storm<\/a> in the United States Hockey League (USHL)<\/a>. Over 14 regular-season starts, he recorded a 9-4-0 record with a 2.41 GAA and a .899 SV%. He allowed three goals or fewer in 11 of those games, showcasing consistency between the pipes. On March 29, he earned his first career USHL shutout against Omaha, and in his playoff debut on April 28, Pradel stopped 34 of 36 shots, finishing with an excellent .944 SV% in a hard-fought game against the Waterloo Blackhawks.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a0THW\u2019s 2025 NHL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n Pradel also had an important role in the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship for Team Slovakia. Through seven games, he put up a 2.46 GAA and a .914 SV%, helping Slovakia reach the bronze medal game. Slovakia came up just short, dropping a 4-3 decision to Team USA, but Pradel\u2019s performance throughout the tournament cemented his status as a promising young goaltender, likely increasing his draft stock.<\/p>\n Michal Pradel \u2013 NHL Draft Projection<\/p>\n After developing in Slovakia\u2019s junior ranks, Pradel has now solidified himself as a legitimate NHL draft prospect. His blend of size, mobility, and potential makes him one of the more intriguing goaltenders available in 2025. His transition to the USHL, along with strong international performances, has boosted his stock significantly, with many scouts projecting him as a mid-round pick. I would not be shocked to see him in the 30-50 range after his great performance at the U18s, but only time will tell.<\/p>\n Other THW Draft Profiles<\/p>\n Quotables<\/p>\n \u201cPradel is a rangy and mobile goaltender. His best attribute is his quickness. At 6-foot-5, most junior-aged goalies tend to lumber around the crease, but Pradel uses strong t-pushes to cover ground quickly on his feet and explodes into his butterfly movements. I also really liked what I saw from Pradel regarding his scanning habits.\u201d \u2013 David Phillips, FC Hockey<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cPradel is a tall, lanky goalie who relies heavily on his size. He stands tall in his pre-shot setup but hunches at the waist in his stance. His legs are extremely wide in both his stance and butterfly position, and he uses his height effectively in the butterfly by keeping his upper body upright. Pradel moves around the crease well when he remains standing, but he has a tendency to drop early.\u201d \u2013 Kellen Eyre, FC Hockey<\/a><\/p>\n Strengths<\/p>\n Size & coverage<\/p>\n Lateral quickness<\/p>\n Explosive butterfly<\/p>\n Puck tracking & awareness<\/p>\n Consistency under pressure<\/p>\n Under Construction\/Improvements to Make<\/p>\n Rebound control<\/p>\n Timing on drop decisions<\/p>\n Post integration & sealing<\/p>\n Handling high-pressure situations<\/p>\n NHL Potential<\/p>\n Pradel has made solid progress in his development and will need to continue refining his game at the USHL level. His next step is likely NCAA hockey, as most USHL players take the college route before moving into the pro ranks.<\/p>\n With his size, mobility, and ability to track plays, he has the tools to become a dependable American Hockey League (AHL) or NHL goaltender. If he keeps improving, tightening up his rebound control, and refining his positioning, he has the potential to develop into an everyday NHL starter.<\/p>\n Risk-Reward Analysis<\/p>\n Risk \u2013 2\/5, Reward \u2013 4.5\/5<\/p>\n Fantasy Hockey Potential<\/p>\n Goaltending \u2013 8\/10<\/p>\n Awards\/Achievements<\/p>\n U18 WJC Top 3 Player on Team<\/p>\n Interviews\/Links<\/p>\n Michal Pradel Stats<\/p>\n Videos<\/p>\n Sign up for our NHL Prospects & Draft Substack newsletter<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"Substack](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Substack_Banner_Prospects-1-1200x122.jpg\")
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