Get to Know: Vaclav Nestrasil
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 190 lbs
Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Committed to: University of Massachusetts
2024-25 USHL Stats: 59 GP – 18 G – 23 A – 41 PTS
NHL teams love size and skill—and Vaclav Nestrasil brings both in abundance. Standing at 6-foot-5, the right-shot winger boasts a blend of physicality, intelligence, and upside that makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class.
Every time a DraftPros Hockey scout watches Nestrasil, they return with glowing reports—not just about what he is now, but what he can become. He’s a very intelligent puck mover who protects the puck exceptionally well using his frame. His skating is fluid and smooth, almost effortless, and he glides around the ice with confidence. Combine that with his ability to make creative plays in tight areas, and you’ve got a player with top-line potential. He’s a versatile offensive threat who brings multiple dimensions to his game.
Power, Poise, and Potential
Nestrasil already owns an NHL-sized frame, and as he continues to fill out his 190-pound body with added muscle, he’ll become even more difficult to knock off the puck. He’s already a balanced skater with strong board battle ability, and added strength will only make him more dangerous in those one-on-one puck battles.
When asked what skill he’s currently working on, Nestrasil told us:
“Using my body—learning how to use it, how to give body checks and receive them.”
This self-awareness speaks volumes. He knows what it takes to elevate his game and is actively working to do so.
Breakout Season in the USHL
Nestrasil’s jump in production this season has been eye-opening. After going pointless in his first 11 USHL games last season, he’s since exploded this year for 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 59 games. That kind of trajectory shows his ability to adjust and thrive at higher levels. He has consistently used his reach, agility, and strength to win battles along the boards, shield the puck from defenders, and create scoring chances.
His game is tailor-made for the power play—his size allows him to screen goaltenders effectively, and his soft hands make him a potential elite-level deflection threat. Though his offensive game is still raw in areas, the flashes of brilliance he shows are more than enough to get scouts excited.
A Realistic Vision and a Pro Mentality
When asked about his five-year plan, Nestrasil gave a thoughtful, grounded response:
“I would like to go with a more realistic plan—I think three years in college, then sign an NHL contract and battle for an NHL spot.”
That mindset shows maturity and a clear understanding of the development process. He knows it won’t be handed to him—he’s ready to earn it.
And you can see it in his approach. Nestrasil has the mindset of a professional already. He’s realistic, humble, and hungry to grow. The head is firmly on the shoulders and that might be just as important as his physical tools.
Room to Grow, but Sky-High Ceiling
Despite the massive strides he’s taken this year, Nestrasil still has room to grow. Consistency and defensive refinement remain areas to work on, and as he bulks up, he’ll unlock even more of his physical potential. But size, skating, puck protection, and offensive creativity? Those tools are already NHL-caliber.
We asked him what he considers his biggest strength on the ice:
“Hockey sense—like hockey IQ. Size too.”
You wouldn’t expect a 6-foot-5 winger to lead with hockey IQ as his top asset, but it tracks. Watching his evolution over the last two seasons, it’s clear that once he adapted to the pace and structure of the USHL, his instincts kicked in and his game took off.
Hockey Roots and Family Influence
Nestrasil grew up in a hockey family. One of his older brothers was a third-round NHL pick by the Detroit Red Wings, and he’s leaned on the advice of his siblings throughout his journey. That background has given him a strong foundation for life on and off the ice.
He’s one of the most engaging, thoughtful players we’ve interviewed. Vaclav is personable, grounded, and driven. NHL teams are going to fall in love with Vaclav during interviews. He’s competitive to the core, hates to lose, and has already overcome the cultural and playing-style shift that comes with moving from Czechia to the USHL.
Final Thoughts
Vaclav Nestrasil is one of the most fascinating prospects in this draft class. He has first-round talent in our eyes—more in line with Elite Prospects’ rankings than the consolidated rankings, which have him around 60th overall.
Yes, there’s work to do—adding muscle, rounding out his defensive game, and staying consistent, but there are few prospects with his blend of size, smarts, skill, and untapped potential.
He’s headed to the University of Massachusetts next year, and we fully expect him to tear it up in the NCAA. Don’t be surprised if Nestrasil becomes a draft-day steal and blossoms into a true difference-maker at the pro level.
