Adam Jiříček cannot escape comparisons with his brother David, but do they have merit?

Adam Jiříček entered the season at the top of our watch list, with the assumption that he would prove to be one of, if not the top defensive prospect in the 2024 NHL Draft. This did not happen.

Much like his brother David Jiříček before him, Adam played the first half of his season for HC Plzeň in Czechia’s top men’s professional league in a season that was supposed to be interrupted by the World Juniors which ended by a season-ending knee injury.

David eventually recovered in time to wear his country’s colors again at the World Championship in his selection year, erasing any doubt about the long-term effects of his injury. He reminded everyone of his talents and the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him sixth overall a month later.

Adam was not as lucky to return. His injury prevented him from participating in his own end-of-season tournament, the under-18s.

The only problem is an early birthday, which further complicates Adam’s projection.

Unlike his late brother, who played almost a full season with HC Plzeň in front of NHL scouts during his minus-one draft campaign, Adam, born in June, spent the previous year primarily in the U20 circuit.

Not as physically mature as his brother nor as seasoned, Adam Jiříček was unable to rack up as many good performances in the Czech Extraliga before the World Juniors, leaving evaluators with more unanswered questions. International tournaments would have been his best chance to demonstrate his abilities against his own age group. Instead, he’s been forced to watch from the sidelines while other players continue to improve, perform well internationally and pass him on draft lists.

But letting Jiříček fall too far down the shortlists would be a mistake. Yes, his projection is clouded by uncertainty, but his potential is still there, shining through the fog.