Vancouver Canucks target speedy winger Vit Zahejsky as late-round gem for 2025 NHL Draft
Vít Záhejský (via Getty Images)
Vít Záhejský is coming up as a dark horse prospect for the Vancouver Canucks ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, with a complete allotment of picks on their side. One of a handful of compelling candidates in the later rounds, Vít Záhejský — an energetic Czech forward with the Kamloops Blazers — may be a high-upside gamble for the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round (175th overall).
With his combination of speed, skill, and tireless work ethic, Vít Záhejský may be the kind of low-risk, high-reward option the Canucks want to add to their system.
Vit Zahejsky's skills and speed made him Vancouver Canucks' sixth-round option
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Vít Záhejský raised his profile with a strong second half of the season and an impressive performance at the U18 World Championship. Playing for Czechia, the 17-year-old netted four goals and contributed five points in five games, demonstrating the goal-scoring savvy and skating ability that NHL scouts covet.
What makes Vít Záhejský so appealing to the Vancouver Canucks is his world-class skating and playmaking at full speed. Cited as one of the fastest skaters in the WHL this year, Vít Záhejský beat defenders in puck battles and amazed with shifty puck-handling moves regularly. His game is predicated on movement — he's always on the move in both zones, and in the defensive zone, he applies the motor to harass puck handlers and blow up plays.
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But as with most raw talents, Záhejský has aspects to work on. His offense-zone performance is still a work in progress, especially in getting the puck into high-quality areas such as the slot. His defensive zone sense can also disappear at times, with the young winger sometimes leaving his man to go after loose pucks. These are aspects that NHL developmental programs are designed to correct.
Standing 5-foot-10 and 167 pounds, Záhejský doesn't necessarily offer imposing size but makes up for it with effort and potential.
He's a pick that can end up paying long-term rewards for a team that wants to be patient and invest in his development.
Also read:
Basile Sansonnens Memorial Cup performance raises questions for Vancouver Canucks
With a strong draft class coming forward, the Vancouver Canucks can go for the upside in the deeper rounds — and Vít Záhejský fits many of the criteria. His combination of speed, competitiveness, and raw talent makes him a tantalizing sixth-round prospect who might develop into a surprise NHL contributor with proper instruction. Although he's not ready for prime time, Záhejský is precisely the type of prospect every team wishes to find late on draft day.
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