Hauser split time between the top two Czech leagues in 2024-25, which is not ideal for his NHL outlook. While he has the size to play against men at the professional level, it seems he cannot keep up with the pace of play to earn more offensive opportunities. The Oilers are likely hoping he manages to increase his offensive output in 2025-26, but more importantly be able to stick in the top Czech league for the full season without being loaned down to the second league. With the development path he has been on since being drafted, Hauser does not belong on any fantasy manager’s watchlist for the time being.

Hauser’s best qualities are his size and strength, and as it currently stands, that is just about all that is keeping him relevant to a potential bottom-six role at the NHL level in the future. His shot and passing abilities are unimpressive, and his decision-making is inconsistent. From a defensive standpoint, he is often caught flat-footed in his zone. His motor is above average, but there is only so much that grittiness can provide. He needs more marination before making the jump to North America.

There are some positive offensive steps this season, but there is still a bit for Hauser to climb that will make his game work at the NHL level. He’s a bottom-six winger at best, but his offensive game still needs to grow more.

It’s clear Petr Hauser is a more defensive-minded forward, but the offensive growth expected of him hasn’t shown up yet. He’s in his DY+2 season, and while he’s more physical and skilled, he doesn’t look like he’s taken any big steps to become a top prospect. He has pro talent, but if he doesn’t have a major boost to his talent level, it’s hard to see an NHL upside. – Austin Kelly

The Devils opted for the massive winger with their fifth-round, 141st-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, hoping they can turn his size into the advantage it could truly be. Although Hauser brings a lot of energy to the table, his physicality itself isn’t as much of a strength — his body-positioning and leverage in puck battles needs some work. Otherwise, there is a lot more to Hauser’s game than meets the eye. His ability to find soft ice and clean up rebounds, his east-west playmaking, especially off the rush, and his edgework are above-average and could combine to help him make the NHL in some respect. Hauser’s versatility and size could very well see him nail a bottom-six role, but don’t expect premier offense from the Czech native.