FILIP MESAR

Center/Wing
5’10/172
Right
HK Poprad/Slovakia

Related: Cutter Gauthier

Filip Mesar is no stranger to playing against older competition. When he was 16, he was already playing in Slovakia’s U20 league, and completely dominated the competition, scoring 13 goals and 41 points in 33 games. In the 2020-21 season, at age 17, he was already playing in Slovakia’s top professional league and did not seem out of place, scoring 14 points in 36 games. Already in his second full season in Slovakia’s top pro league, Mesar is third in Tipos Extraliga scoring among all U20 players. He was also one of Slovakia’s top performers on the way to a silver medal finish at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Filip is a player who could be taken anywhere from 15-25 in the draft and has the potential to grow into a top-six forward in the NHL.

Size/Strength Average
Skating Excellent
Shot/Scoring Great
Puckhandling Excellent
Physical Play Average
Offensive Play Excellent
Defensive Play Below Average
Hockey Sense Great
Competitiveness Good

Strengths

1. Dynamic forward in transition who consistently produces scoring chances off the rush.
2. Has great speed combined with high skill level, a dangerous mid-range shot, and the ability to set up teammates.
3. Excels with the puck on his stick as more of a passer than a shooter, though his shot is extremely versatile

Areas of Improvement

1. Needs to improve his ability to play through traffic.
2. Spends too much time playing on the perimeter.
3. Defensive zone coverage needs work.

Scouting Report:

Filip Mesar is a highly-skilled, creative offensive player who excels as a puck carrier. He has a smooth skating stride and scans the play with the puck on his stick, identifying his options to attack space and utilize his open teammates. His shot is deceptive and he can let it go from multiple release points but needs to get it off from dangerous areas more consistently. Mesar is a high-end puck handler who has the ability to beat defenders one-on-one, however, he
can get caught trying to do too much on his own or spending too much time on the perimeter. Filip Mesar has always been a standout performer for Slovakia, but this year in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, he took his game to another level, scoring 8 points in 5 games, helping Slovakia finish win silver in the tournament. Although Mesar is far from a finished product at this point, he has tons of potential, and his experience playing against older competition his whole career suggests that his skill level is off the charts. He is comparable to Scott Gomez, who was a very dynamic skater and playmaker when he played for the New Jersey Devils. Gomez won the Calder Trophy in his rookie year, so who is to say that Mesar does not surprise everyone and ends up winning the Calder when he makes the transition to the NHL. Mesar’s potential and raw skill will get should make a safe bet to get picked in the mid to late first round of the 2022 draft.

Skill: Versatile, Dynamic forward with high-level skating ability, and is an excellent playmaker

NHL Comparison: Scott Gomez

NHL Potential: Top 6 Playmaking Forward

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2019-20	HK Poprad U20	Slovakia U20	33	13	41
2020-21	HK Poprad	Slovakia	36	4	14
2021-22	HK Poprad	Slovakia	21	5	10
	Slovakia U18	Hlinka Gretzky Cup	5	2	8