This summer marked the end of three great NHL careers. Jaromir Jagr will be playing in the Russian League this upcoming season. Marty Straka will be headed to the Czech League. Dominik Hasek retired after earning a second Stanley Cup with Detroit.
Three incredibly talented Czech players gone, including possibly the greatest Czech forward and goalie to ever play the game. Jagr ends his career just one point shy of the 1,600 mark (646 G, 953 A) and with 181 points (77 G, 104 A) in 169 playoff games.
Hasek retires with a record of 389-223-82-13 and a .922 save percentage.
Straka says good-bye with 717 points (257g, 460a) in 954 career games.
These guys will be greatly missed in the NHL, but the Czech Republic still have plenty of greats for us to watch:
1) Ales Hemsky
Hemsky finally cracked the 20-goal plateau last season and should do so for years to come. He can control the puck with the best of them, make great passes and fire the puck home when he wants. Known for passing too much, Hemsky should easily set a new career-high in goals if he shoots the puck more often.
2) Vaclav Prospal
At the age of 33, Prospal can still be a help to any team. Tampa Bay struggled this whole year, but Prospal wasn't the reason. He had 57 points (29 G, 28 A) in 62 games with the Lightning before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.
In Philly, he discovered a great chemistry with Daniel Briere, as the two constantly found each other with great plays. Now back with Tampa Bay, we should see more of the same from Vinny.
3) Petr Sykora
His best days may be behind him, but Sykora can still put up solid numbers. Coming off his best season in the past six years, that native of Plzen should continue to produce with the younger talents in Pittsburgh.
He only amassed nine points in 20 playoff games this year, but we all remember Game Five of the Stanley Cup Final, when he said he'd score the overtime winner. Sure enough, he did.
4) Tomas Plekanec
This year proved to be the emergence of Tomas Plekanec. On a line with Alex Kovalev and Andrei Kostitsyn, Plekanec set new career highs in goals (29), assists (40) and points (69). One of Montreal's key elements in their number-one powerplay last season, he's also turning into a great penalty killer.
5) Tomas Kaberle
Without a doubt, one of the best defensemen in the game today. If Mats Sundin doesn't stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kaberle should be the new captain, without question.
He is the only defenseman on Toronto that is solid in all areas night-in and night-out. Great passing ability, an extremely accurate shot (as shown in the skills competition), and good defensive instinct should see Kaberle with the "C" if Sundin leaves.
6) Martin Erat
With 57 points in each of the past two seasons, Erat could be ready to explode soon. His numbers have slightly improved over the years, but he is certainly capable of more.
I liked the line of Erat, Jason Arnott and J.P Dumont last year, because all three put up good numbers together and had good chemistry. Hopefully, Erat gets reunited with the two this season.
5 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Nate Santoianni 11 months ago
I'll add a fourth Czech - Mr Blue Jacket David Vyborny. For the first 6 seasons, Vyborny was arguably the Jackets' most consistent player and leader. He fell on hard times last season but will greatly be missed by the fans.
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Joe MacDonald 11 months ago
I agree that Hemsky is the best of the Czech players and seems to be getting better and better every season. He was especially good during the second half last season. I think he's due for a career season in 2008-09. Good article.
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Jacob Mowat 11 months ago
Don't forget about Hudler!!!
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Drex Larson 9 months ago
I am an Oiler fan and like Ales but you missed the two Marian's - Hossa and Gaborik. With Martin Havlat being of note, but never healthy enough to be comparable.
Good article. What I find interesting is how most of those great Czech players are Right Wingers. Hemsky, Hossa, Gaborik, Havlak, Hejduk, Erat, Sykora, Vborny, & Voracek. With Elias and Prospal as LW.
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Rafal Ladysz 9 months ago
Gaborik, Hossa, Havlat, Hejduk are Slovakian.
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