Penguins Draft Profiles: Michael Hrabal
The Pittsburgh Penguins are hungry for goalie depth, and Michael Hrabal could fit that bill.
The Pittsburgh Penguins need organizational depth at every position, especially goaltender. With the possible departure of Tristan Jarry, the lack of a suitable replacement, and the best prospect being at least a few seasons from NHL action, it's clear the Penguins need to invest in more goaltending. This upcoming draft provides several intriguing netminders, and Inside the Penguins' next draft profile takes a look at a player at the top of that list: Michael Hrabal.
Essentials:
2022-23 Team: Omaha (USHL)
Position: Goalie
Height and Weight: 6’6, 209 pounds
NHL Central Scouting: 2nd (among North American goalies)
Elite Prospects: 38th
2022-23 Stats: 31 GP, 9-13-4, 2.86 GAA, .908 save %, 3 shutouts
Committed to University of Massachussetts
Player Breakdown:
What stands out about Michael Hrabal in net is his hulking size. But the Czechian product moves with the fluidity of a 6’0 goaltender, impressing with how athletic and composed he is for his large frame. Hrabal’s an athletic goaltender in net who relies on his strong skating and lower body to make a majority of saves. He moves across the crease well, and has a powerful push off as he moves side-to-side.
Because of his surprising quickness and reflexes, he makes saves look effortless. A lethal combination of size and agility, opposing forwards are hard pressed to beat Hrabal one-on-one or in any traffic-free shot attempt.
Hrabal has a poise in net that translates to the larger stages as well. He’s backstopped the Czechian junior team and put up more than respectable numbers of a .927 save % and a 2.43 GAA. Facing stiff competition, he tends to elevate his play against better competition.
What Needs to Improve:
While the impressive athleticism catches your eye, something Hrabal will need to develop to stick at the NHL is to utilize his size better. He will benefit from playing a bit higher up in his crease, both to better see shots from the point and to limit second chance shots near the net front.
Hrabal can be hesitant in the crease and play a little too deep, which requires him to rely on his size to stop rebounds. At the NHL level, the opposing forwards will smother him and put away the second and third opportunities. If Hrabal can be a bit more aggressive and add a bit of strength, he could develop into a brick wall in net.
NHL Comparison: Jakob Markstrom
NHL ETA: 2027-28
There is nothing more alluring for a goaltender-needy franchise than a 6’6 netminder with athleticism and room to grow. Despite his late first round/early second round projection, don’t be shocked if Hrabal’s name is called in the top 20. He has the frame, edgework, and upside potential to be a starting goaltender at the NHL level, but there will be some growing pains along the way.
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