A veteran of over 100 games in the American Hockey League (AHL), Svozil has produced consistent results over the last two seasons. He finished with 23 points in 57 games in 2023-24 and recorded 24 points in 63 games during the 2024-25 season. The 6-0 blueliner has showcased good defensive skills and could be an injury call-up for Columbus in 2025-26, if needed.

Svozil has notably progressed in his second pro year, recording three goals and 14 points in 25 games. His playmaking ability, both in transition and the point, has taken significant steps compared to his rookie year. Increased responsibilities have marked Svozil’s development for the Monsters on both sides of the puck.

Svozil comes into his third World Junior Championships as one of the leaders on the team and will see significant minutes on the point. He has upped his offensive play for the Regina Pats, with 37 points in 28 games so far this season, good enough for third in the WHL among defensemen.

Svozil was selected in the third round, 69th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Stanislav Svozil is a bit of a raw defenseman who has the potential to round out into a do-it-all, minutes eater on the back end. He possesses excellent mobility overall, with a good skating stride and the ability to move in all directions; he stays in front of defenders and uses his stick to disrupt play. He works well with his teammates in transition, reading when and where to jump into the play without making many mistakes. The offensive upside in his game exists, and he isn’t a black hole offensively by any means. He has a good shot from the blue line, thanks to a heavy release and the ability to hit the net. He is a skilled passer in the offensive zone as well. The consistency in the offensive zone is what he will need to rectify as he moves forward. His responsible game is a result of his time playing against men. The young Czech defender is representing his country at the World Juniors and will be considered a difference-maker for a team that is a bit lacking in the high-end talent department. He should get a bit of runway to showcase his offensive ability playing with his age group again after playing in the Czech men’s league last year and coming home with the league’s Rookie of the Year award. As he matures, his offensive game should come to the forefront as he becomes more comfortable with the speed and strength required to play consistently significant minutes against men. Svozil should be in the conversation for the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft, and some have him in the top 20 players available. Only time will tell where this year’s top Czech player will be selected in July.