Baracchini\u2019s March Top 96 (THW)<\/a>: 12th
Forbes\u2019 Top 64 February Rankings (THW)<\/a>: 15th
Orth\u2019s Top 32 February Rankings (THW)<\/a>: 14th
Craig Button (TSN)<\/a>: 23rd
Daily Faceoff<\/a>: 15th
Sam Cosentino (Sportsnet)<\/a>: 12th
Jason Bukala (Sportsnet)<\/a>: 12th
SMAHT Scouting<\/a>: 20th<\/p>\n
Many European players have an adjustment period when they move to the North American game, especially at the junior level. That has not been the case for Adam Novotn\u00fd, who joined the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season after being a Petes\u2019 first-round pick a strong 2024 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft, which included Matvei Gridin<\/a> (Calgary Flames) and Vaclav Nestrasil (Chicago Blackhawks). This comes after being one of Czechia\u2019s most consistent presences at the international level with the Under-18 and Under-20 teams at the World Junior Championship (WJC) in 2024. Some of his smooth transition to North American hockey can be attributed to the fact that Novotn\u00fd already plays a North American style of game, with a work ethic and motor on the ice that never seems to stop. Wherever he is on the ice, whether offensively or defensively, he is always looking to make an impact and is constantly moving around.<\/p>\n Offensively, Novotn\u00fd not only relies on his motor but is also a powerful, strong player, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds. He is great at using his body to protect the puck and take contact while making plays, and he has no problem engaging in board battles. When he does either win battles or get space in the offensive zone, he has a shot that very well could be NHL-level already, with a quick and accurate release to it. While his numbers this season with the P\u00e9tros are balanced between goals and assists, the one downfall of his offensive game is that his playmaking needs a bit of improvement, as Novotn\u00fd does find himself getting \u201cshot happy\u201d from time to time. Overall, he has the skill set to play either a power-forward role or a sniper role at the junior level.<\/p>\n Related: THW\u2019s 2026 NHL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n On the defensive side of the ice, Novotn\u00fd uses his physicality to be a pest on the backcheck and to let his opponents feel his presence. He has zero issue with putting his body on the line for his teammates, whether it is throwing a hit or selling out to block a shot. His hockey IQ helps him anticipate defensive plays and position himself in the right spot to end his opponents\u2019 chances. With the mix of defensive anticipation and his overall play away from the puck offensively, he has become a true threat at both ends when he does not have the puck on his stick and has the offensive tools to be an impactful top-six player at the NHL level.<\/p>\n Adam Novotny- NHL Draft Projection<\/p>\n With the mix of power forward and goal-scoring styles of play that Novotn\u00fd can play, as well as his defensive game, there is plenty of upside to his game. NHL teams love having players who can play multiple styles of game, and Novotn\u00fd fits that mold. He should hear his name being called in the middle part of the first round, likely in the 10-15 range.<\/p>\n Quotables<\/p>\n \u201cA clear calling card in Novotn\u00fd\u2019s game is his pro-level shot. His deceptive release can make it unpredictable for goaltenders to read. He is so skilled at being able to thread pucks through lanes to the front of the net. His accuracy makes him a threat from anywhere on the ice. Novotn\u00fd shows torque on his one-timer but relies more heavily on a hard wrist shot or snap shot.\u201d- Liam Staples, McKeens Hockey<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cHe is a team-first player, who works tirelessly on his game both in the gym and on the ice. He plays a hard and honest game.\u00a0In OHL competition, his strength allows him to clear space and produce top-level numbers. He rarely passes up a shooting opportunity and doesn\u2019t need much time to really rip a puck.\u201d- Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet<\/p>\n \u201cNovotny displayed his skillset, showing great strength in battles and in the high danger areas. He was elusive, broke free from pressure, showed great chemistry and reads with his line mates and displayed a great work ethic every shift. He\u2019s a battler, competitor and never takes a shift off. He showed awareness and vision when making plays and great awareness with the puck to help on backchecks and within his own zone.\u201d- Peter Baracchini (THW) on Novotny\u2019s performance at the 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game<\/a><\/p>\n Strengths<\/p>\n NHL-level shot<\/p>\n Multi-faceted with his shot selection; he uses each shot style well<\/p>\n High motor and work ethic; he never stops moving around<\/p>\n Strong transition player<\/p>\n High IQ level at both ends of the ice<\/p>\n Strong player who has a strong willingness to use his body<\/p>\n Responsible player at both ends of the ice<\/p>\n Under Construction\/ Improvements to Make<\/p>\n Overall, playmaking could use some work as he gets tunnel vision and \u201cshot first\u201d occasionally<\/p>\n While being a strong skater, his speed does need some work to help further elevate his game<\/p>\n NHL Potential<\/p>\n While the goal-scoring and numbers may not translate to the degree they have in the OHL, Novotn\u00fd has the tools to become a top-six player in the NHL. His overall game resembles a bit of Mason McTavish <\/a>(Anaheim Ducks). He will likely be a complementary player on his line, not driving the entire play. With the shot he possesses, there is no reason that he can not be on an NHL organization\u2019s power play unit and have an impact on special teams.<\/p>\n Risk- Reward Analysis<\/p>\n Risk: 1\/5 Reward: 4\/5<\/p>\n Fantasy Hockey Potential<\/p>\n Offense: 8\/10 Defense: 7\/10<\/p>\n Awards\/Achievements<\/p>\n 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Silver Medal (Czechia)<\/p>\n 2025 U20 WJC Bronze Medal<\/p>\n 2025 CHL\/ USA Prospects Challenge<\/p>\n 2026 U20 WJC Silver Medal<\/p>\n 2026 Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game<\/p>\n Interviews\/Links<\/p>\n Adam Novotny Stats<\/p>\n Videos<\/p>\n Czech this one out \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddff<\/p>\n The first of Adam Novotny’s two goals for the @PetesOHLhockey<\/a> yesterday was impressive, and earns him the @deltabingo_<\/a> Play of the Night!#NHLDraft<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/snCJZ1rvH3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 23, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Adam Novotn\u00fd recorded an OHL career-high four-point night with a goal and three assists.<\/p>\n He\u2019s now up to 25 goals and 51 points in 43 games this season.#2026NHLDraft<\/a><\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/HVS5UDZotz<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Czech Prospects (@CZprospects) February 13, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n The shot and the celly get an A rating \u2705<\/p>\n Adam Novotny impressed in front of scouts, scoring two beautiful goals in the #OHLTopProspects<\/a> game last night.@PetesOHLhockey<\/a> | #NHLDraft<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/0iqgUdJ9fC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 15, 2026<\/a> <\/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>![\"Adam](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Adam-Novotny-Petes-1200x960.jpg\")
Adam Novotny, Peterborough Petes (Robert Lefebvre \/OHL Images)<\/p>\n![\"SUBSCRIBE](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Substack_Banner_2025_Draft-1-1200x122.jpg\")
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