Ondrej Becher – 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Ondrej Becher

2023-24 Team: Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Date of Birth: Feb. 24, 2004
Place of Birth: Ostrava, CZE
Ht: 6-foot-1 Wt: 184 pounds
Shots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2024 third year eligible

Levels

Ondrej Becher could be one of the most dangerous picks heading into the 2024 NHL Draft, but his upside could make him one. As a third-year draft eligible, comparing him to other 2024 draft prospects is difficult since most are still 17 or 18 years old. While he may not have been drafted in the 2022 and 2023 NHL Drafts, his 2023-24 performance has earned him top-50 praise from some.

Becher started last season on fire, scoring 20 points in his team's first 10 games and surpassing his career high of 38 points a few weeks later. He finished the season with 32 goals and 96 points, 13th-highest in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He uses his swing and hands to attack, catching the puck easily in the offensive zone. He has excellent edges and speed, raises his head to get the best pass.

Related: THW 2024 NHL Draft Guide

The best part of Becher's offensive game is his playmaking, especially on the offensive end. He is quick to move around defenders while holding back defenders, making dangerous but crucial passes that lead to goals. Of course, he spent most of the season playing alongside WHL standouts Terik Parascak, Riley Heidt, and Zac Funk. Playing with such a strong talent, many teams will likely fear that Becher will not be able to translate his game to the NHL as he relies on his teammates. However, this should not be the case for two reasons.

The first reason is that a player should not be penalized for the success associated with great talent. Parascak, Heidt, and Funk all exploded offensively this past season and Becher continued. He raised his game when it mattered most, and his offense came from working with talent, not relying on it. Even when he played with other top players, he still achieved success. Whoever comes to Becher will be getting a center that can carry their weight in any role.

The second, and most relevant, reason Becher will translate his game to the NHL is his excellent defensive play. While he's good at using his wand for offense, he's even better at using it defensively. He uses his skating to keep up with defenders and his stick to get opponents off the puck. His defensive ability allowed his teammates to be more aggressive, knowing they had Becher to rely on if things went south. While his age may be a factor in his defensive looks, his ability to learn from past mistakes shows he has the potential to develop into a solid NHL center.

Ondrej Becher – NHL Draft Projection

Becher may have more versatility in where he sits in the lineup. He could go before the first round, although this is doubtful. It's also possible, but unlikely, to see a 20-year-old break into the top 45, but after that, anything is possible. The most likely place for him to land is to see him fall into the 60-90 range for a team looking to add NHL-ready talent.

Measurements

“Becher is a brilliant offensive force that affects the game on both ends. He excels at straight-line acceleration and fluid edges. He takes open spaces and puts them into dangerous opportunities, often attacking the weak side of the ice. He is a smart player with good hands and puck protection, who fills good feeds, even the ones that don't look easy.” – Joey Fortin Boulay, FC Hockey (from, '25381 – Canada vs. Czechia', FC Hockey – 01/03/24).

“Ondrej Becher was the best player in the World Juniors for Team Czechia, on his way to a bronze medal for his team. He had a hand in that bronze medal game, putting up five points (three goals, two assists) in an exciting final game. This shouldn't come as a surprise though given his season with the Prince George Cougars, as the Czech prospect was good for 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 32 games. ” – Josh Bell, McKeen's Hockey

“Becher is a two-pronged center who understands his job as a linebacker. He looked like a solid skater at this level, able to turn and cut quickly, and be able to open his hips and get a pass while shooting up the ice to get the next play.” – Miroslav Simurka, FC Hockey (from, '23942 – Canada vs. Czechia', FC Hockey – 06/05/22).

Power

• The hands
• Playing
• Self defense
• A stick

Under Construction- Improvements To Be Made

• The body
• Continuous success
• Consistency
• Leading the line

NHL Power

If Becher continues to develop on his trajectory, he could be a solid under center that leads the penalty kill unit while being an equally strong defensive center. His big move will be in the 2024-25 season, proving that last season was no mistake. Becher's realistic vision is to be a borderline NHL player, to be called up to action in the bottom six or to be a forward on the 13th or 14th team.

Risk Reward Analysis

Risk 3.5/5, Reward 3/5

The Power of Fantasy Hockey

Offense 3/10, Defense 4.5/10

Awards/ Achievements

• U20 WJC Bronze Medal
• Drafted #16 by the Prince George Cougars in the 2022 CHL Import Draft

Discussions/ Links

YouTube – 2024 WJC Highlights

Statistics of Ondrej Becher

Videos

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