Matyáš Šapovaliv, born on February 12, 2004, in Kladno, Czechia, is a promising center in professional ice hockey. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 183 lbs, he was selected 48th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Šapovaliv’s journey to North America began when he joined the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after being drafted 15th overall in the 2021 CHL Import Draft.
His transition was seamless, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to growth.
Strengths:
- Playmaking Ability: Šapovaliv is renowned for his exceptional playmaking skills. His vision and precise passing enable him to create scoring opportunities, making him a valuable asset in the offensive zone.
Puck Protection: Utilizing his size and strength, he effectively shields the puck from defenders, excelling in maintaining possession during the cycle game.
Hockey IQ: His understanding of the game is evident through his strategic positioning and decision-making, both offensively and defensively.
Weaknesses:
- Skating Speed: While his skating has improved, particularly his stride efficiency, there remains room for enhancement in his acceleration and top-end speed to match NHL standards.
Consistency: Like many young players, maintaining a consistent performance level throughout the season is an area for development. As he matures and gains experience, this aspect is expected to improve.
In the 2023-2024 season, Šapovaliv continued to develop his game with the Saginaw Spirit, recording 19 goals and 43 assists in 54 games. His performance in the playoffs was notable, contributing 3 goals and 6 assists over 17 games.
Internationally, Šapovaliv has represented Czechia with distinction. He participated in the 2024 World Junior Championships, marking his third appearance in the tournament, and contributed to his team’s efforts with 3 goals and 1 assist over 7 games.
As of December 2024, Šapovaliv is with the Henderson Silver Knights in the American Hockey League (AHL), the primary affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. In 20 games, he has tallied 5 goals and 4 assists, indicating a positive adjustment to professional play.
Šapovaliv’s combination of size, skill, and hockey intelligence positions him as a notable prospect within the Golden Knights organization. With continued development, particularly in his skating and consistency, he has the potential to make a significant impact at the NHL level in the coming years.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | February 12, 2004 |
| Drafted | 2022, 2nd Round (48th overall) by Vegas Golden Knights |
| Height | 6’3″ |
| Weight | 183 lbs |
| Hometown | Kladno, Czechia |
| Position | Center |
| National Team | Czechia |
Sign up for our weekly NHL trade rumors newsletter
