Senators select Jakob Culek 76th overall

The Senators apparently felt that the 76th pick this year was worth keeping, and they used it on Jakob Culek, a forward from the QMJHL.

Culek, a Czech, is 6'4" and 195, so size is clearly going to be one of his assets. 

NHL.com has some good tidbits on him, including:

• In 2009-10, Culek ranked third among Quebec Major Junior Hockey League rookies in assists (34) and tied for sixth in overall points (47) in 63 games.
• His favorite pump-up song is "System of a Down" so that's something he'll have to work on.

Analysis from Hockey's Future:

A playmaker, Culek worked well alongside of the quicker Straka by constantly hitting him with passes that would eventually find themselves in the back of the net. Although he has imposing size and a solid skill set, Culek remains a work in progress in the offensive zone. As he gets stronger and more comfortable with the physical game, he'll be able to assert himself on the ice more to make room both for himself and his teammates.  Already a dependable player at both ends of the ice, Culek could be one of the more intriguing players to come out of the QMJHL in 2010. If he can improve his skating and combine his natural physical tools with his hockey talent, he has all the makings of a solid prospect.

From a NHL.com profile:

"He's a good-sized kid. … Real good hands, good passing skills, sees the ice well. He lacks a little bit in speed right now, that's what he's got to work on, his skating. Other than that he's a pretty big kid and has a good upside."

Some scouting opinions on Culek:

"He's a pretty good player, he stood out quite a bit. Great hands, he can really pass the puck well, he's got size (6’3”), and he’s involved."

- NHL Central Scouting's Chris Bordeleau with NHL.com

 

“Culek is a highly skilled guy who put up decent numbers. He had a lot of ‘A’ games and a lot of ‘D’ games. I would rather see more consistency than highs and lows.”

- Scout speaking to The Hockey News

 

“He has come over and adapted well, doesn’t score a whole lot, but does a lot of other things well. Not overly physical, but plays a good two-way game.”

- Scout speaking to The Hockey News

His numbers from the QMJHL seem to back that analysis up:

Just 17 years old, Culek is one of the youngest players eligible in this draft.  He is quite clearly a project at this point in his career, but there's certainly upside to his selection.