Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Jiri Tlusty
See More
Tlusty, who had meshed so brilliantly with Eric Staal and Alexander Semin during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season (38 points in 48 games), was not able to duplicate the same kind of success last year, registering fewer points despite more games played (30 in 68). In fact, Tlusty was so ineffective at the start of the season -- having been held scoreless in 11 of his first 13 games -- that he was subsequently relegated to fourth-line duty for several weeks before missing nine games due to an emergency appendectomy in December. Tlusty finished the season on a relatively strong note, with two goals and two assists in his last three games, but it remains to be seen what his role will be this year. With new coach Bill Peters set to take over the reins, there could be some line juggling involved that once again sees Tlusty playing on a checking line to start the season. Don’t overvalue him on draft day.
Last season, Tlusty was unexpectedly promoted to the 'Canes' top line alongside Eric Staal and Alexander Semin and responded with a career-best 38 points in 48 games. Furthermore, he seemed to be heating up even more down the stretch, notching 15 points in 15 games during the month of April, including an eight-game, 11-point scoring streak to close out the regular season. After years of proving to be little more than a talented underachiever, Tlusty finally seems poised to take a major step forward in his NHL career. Expect similar numbers if he can stick on the top line along with Eric Staal and Semin for another season.
After a few lost years in Toronto and several difficult injuries, many GM's around the league had probably written off Tlusty coming into 2011-2012. Yet last year was the 24 year-old's best season by far, producing 36 points, 136 shots on net, and missing only three games in total. He enters 2012-2013 with all the right kinds of momentum, and could prove to be a steal in the later rounds.
Tlusty is a well-rounded winger who should be able to help the Hurricanes on the lower lines, but only if he can finally stay healthy. Despite undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason, the Hurricanes signed Tlusty to a one-year deal July 1, the first day of free agency; perhaps an indication that the Canes are not too concerned about his lack of durability. Either way, Tlusty should only be an option in the deepest of fantasy pools this season.
Tlusty suffered a torn ACL during postseason play with the AHL's Albany River Rats, giving the 'Canes a chance to see how well the young forward responds to adversity. His surgery was reportedly successful, but it could take him awhile to regain some of the explosiveness that he flashed last season in split time between the River Rats and the parent club Hurricanes. Assuming Tlusty's knee doesn't fail him, he will have a legitimate shot at making the team out of training camp.
Tlusty blew the doors off the AHL last season, delivering 17 goals and 41 points in a two-month period on his way to a 66-point season (66 games). He’s not going to dominate the same way at the NHL level but he’s finally looking like the top-six winger the Buds hoped he’d be when they called his name on draft day. He’ll see some time at the NHL level this season and could deliver 25 points. He’s more of a keeper pick at this point, though.
We're just not as sold on this guy as some other people are. Yes, he’s young. And yes, he has decent offensive upside. But his lapses of judgment and intensity are monumental (just take a look at how his production fell off in the AHL playoffs this past season). He will improve. But you shouldn’t have him do it at your expense.
We're just not as sold on this guy as some other people are. Yes, he’s young. And yes, he has decent offensive upside. But his lapses of judgment and intensity are monumental (just take a look at how his production fell off in the AHL playoffs this past season). He will improve. But you shouldn’t have him do it at your expense.
The Leafs' top pick in 2006, Tlusty has a similar profile to former Toronto prospect Brad Boyes, possessing a solid all-around game without any one stand-out area of talent. Like Boyes he figures to be a two-two NHL center after some seasoning, with his offensive totals determined by his linemates and power play opportunities.
Tlusty is an underappreciated winger who played beyond his years in the top Czech league in 2005-06. No, he didn't put up a lot of points but he did outplay fellow prospect Michael Frolik all year long. Hit fitness level has often been question and he scored below average at the pre-draft combine. Still, he has excellent skills , buttery hands, a sniper-like shot and he's a leader on and off the ice. He's creative in a Milan Michalek- Rostislav Olesz way, and will be a safe pick come draft day.
