The Vancouver Canucks enter the 2025 NHL Entry Draft with a pick in each round. Leading up to the draft day, we at The Hockey News will be profiling a different prospect who the Canucks could take with each of their picks. Today's prospect is Québec Remparts center Andreas Straka, who Vancouver could select 117th overall.

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Straka is coming off a successful rookie season in the QMJHL. The center from Czechia recorded 34 points in 53 games and represented his country at this year's U18s. Listed at 6'1", 182lbs, the 17-year-old has already represented his country over 20 times.  

While Straka showed he can produce offensively, his biggest strength is his work in the defensive zone. He understands where he needs to be positionally to break up plays, and is a strong enough skater to keep up with his opposition on the backcheck. Straka also has a very active stick in the defensive zone, which allows him to cut off passing lanes and break up cycles. 

In the offensive zone, Straka likes to play either as a net-front presence or below the goal line. His good reaction time allows him to jump on rebounds and create secondary opportunities. Straka also showed he can be a playmaker, but he will need to keep developing this part of his game. 

As for an underrated part of Straka's game, that is his ability to create zone entries and exits through passing. He has great vision and can hit teammates in stride with crisp passes that set up scoring chances. If he can improve on his carry entries and exits, he should become a dangerous player in the transition game. 

Overall, Straka has some intriguing traits that the Canucks should be interested in. He is strong defensively and has shown that he can adjust his play to the North American ice size. Ultimately, Straka is a project who could become a steal with the right development. 

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