After the Utah Mammoth kept their first-round choice last night and selected forward Caleb Desnoyers, Bill Armstrong selected defenseman Max Psenicka with the 46th pick in the NHL Draft. After going forward first, Armstrong kept things well-rounded by drafting a defender with their second of six picks this draft.
Psenicka, like many other defenders in this draft, is a big body at 6'4, 178 pounds. The big Czech is very raw and still learning how to use his body. Additionally, Psenicka is still growing and is expected to add another 10-15 pounds before he reaches the NHL.
Besides good size, the Mammoth received a player who can skate and has quick feet for a large body. Using his frame, Psenicka more often than not comes out of battles on the wall with the puck.
More than likely labeled more of a defensive defenseman, the Czech does like to get involved on the offensive side of the game. Picking his spots to move up on the play will be the biggest challenge for him as his game grows in the next year. At the higher levels, he may sacrifice too much of his assets defensively by getting caught up in the offensive zone.
Bill Armstrong targeted this player, as some rankings had him going in the 70s. Psenicka will have time to unfold his game as the big club is deep on the blue line for the next season or two.
Playing in the WHL in the second half of the season, Psenicka will have a year to grow in that league rather than choosing the collegiate route. I would expect to see him in Tucson by the end of this AHL season.