• PROSPECT-UPDATE ARCHIVE
The Halloween treat in Tuesday's action involving 2018 draft prospects was the start of the Champions Hockey League playoffs in Europe. Teams that won advanced to the quarterfinals on Nov. 7, and two of those squads include draft-eligible players, who both made it onto the list below.
In addition to Champions League, there were also games in Russia and the Czech Republic, but no players took the ice in North America. Here are Halloween 2017's top three performances:
RASMUS DAHLIN -- Does anyone still not realize that Dahlin might be the best defenseman in the draft in more than 40 years? If you're not yet sold on Dahlin, consider Tuesday. Playing for Gothenburg Frolunda in a Champions League playoff game at Liberec, he scored a power-play goal on one of his nine shots, helping Frolunda reach the quarterfinals with a 3-2 win. It wasn't just any goal. It was the game-winner at 13:11 of the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie. In addition to his goal, Dahlin had 20:52 of icetime -- the most he has seen in any Champions League game. He has also now scored in back-to-back games. Let's not forget he's doing this all against men. Men. Enough said. (Note: Fifth appearance on this list in 2017-18)
KAREL PLASEK -- Plasek is having a dream draft year. Most of his games have been in the Czech Under-20 league, but on Tuesday he made his Champions League debut for Brno's Extraliga team against Zug. He did not disappoint either, picking up an assist and recording five shots in 11:08 of icetime. Brno recognized what he has done in the junior league and promoted him for Champions League play. His assist came on a shorthanded goal at 16:15 of the second period, giving Brno a 2-1 lead. Brno went on to win 4-3 and advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. (Note: Third appearance on this list in 2017-18)
JAKUB SKAREK -- It has already been noted that Skarek is the only first-year draft eligible goalie playing against men as a member of Jihlava's Czech Extraliga squad. His hot play continued Tuesday as he made 26 saves in a 2-1 shootout win over Zlin. Skarek, who had lost two straight before his recent surge, has now won three straight starts and re-established himself ahead of Lukas Dostal as the best goalie the Czech Republic has to offer. (Note: Fourth appearance on this list in 2017-18)