Once you get to the later rounds you start seeing the term “project” thrown around a lot when it comes to these kids and Matej Stransky fits that definition quite well.
Stransky as a rookie with the Blades was mostly used as a third line forward as he found it tough to get any ice time on a fairly deep list of forwards in terms of talent. Matej also reportedly had some difficulties adjusting to a more North American game in the first half of the season as well as struggles with the much longer hockey season although later in his first WHL season and into the playoffs he started showing signs of turning his game around.
Still, there is some solid upside to the kid as outlined by TheScoutingReport.org:
While he is more of a project pick at this point, he has very good size and is tough to move off the puck. He is also more skilled than his numbers would suggest. The problem for him has been consistency, but there is no denying his talent. After a good but inconsistent regular season, Stransky turned up the play during the playoffs.
And he isn’t afraid to drop the gloves…
Richard Nedomlel vs Matej Stransky Jan 28, 2011 (via hockeyfightsplus)