KelownaÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™s Libor Zabransky is on the radar for next summerÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™s 2018 NHL Entry Draft in Dallas.
The Czech-born defenceman was among 27 Western Hockey League players named this week to NHL Central ScoutingÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™s Watch List and was given a Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥˜CÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™ rating.
Central Scouting identifies players with a rating system that includes three main categories: The Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥˜AÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™ rating indicates a first round candidate, a Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥˜BÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™ rating indicates a second or third round candidate, and a Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥˜CÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™ rating indicates a fourth, fifth, or sixth round candidate.
Zabransky, the RocketsÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™ first choice, 51st overall, in this yearÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™s CHL Import Draft, had a goal an assist in his first three games with Kelowna this season.
Spokane Chiefs defenceman Ty Smith was the lone WHL skater assigned an Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥˜AÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™ rating. Since being made the first overall selection in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, Smith has 42 points in 72 regular season games.