Top 25 San Jose Sharks under 25: No. 19 Adam Helewka

When you are an older player in the CHL, it can sometimes lead to numbers being inflated and at times irrational confidence. Front offices can mistake it for development when in reality these players are just older than their counterparts. Adam Helewka has spent four years in the WHL, the last two years he averaged well over a point per game. Where exactly is Helewka in his development?

As the 106th selection in the 4th round of the 2015 NHL Draft, Helewka has to know that he has a long road ahead of him. He was first eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft, which was only his first year in WHL. Ever since the 2012-13 season, Helewka has continued to grow and be an offensive force. At 6’2, he is definitely bigger than most of his peers and is known to use his body. A full year with the Barracuda will be good for his development and confidence as he adjusts to the pro game.

Here is a quick scouting report on Helewka from his draft year:

Helewka was first eligible for the NHL Draft in 2013, going undrafted. He was also undrafted last year despite a 50 point season, more than doubling his goal production from the previous campaign. The St. Louis Blues invited him to attend the Traverse City tournament this past fall and he’s looking to use that experience this year. He’s a hard working kid that goes to the net, has good hockey sense and does a lot of little things well. His 30 points in 20 games lead the surprise Spokane Chiefs by 6 points.

Helewka is a classic tweener prospect that will show his stripes after a pro season or two. That is part of the luxury of having a deep prospect pipeline, no need to push players into roles they aren’t ready for yet.

Name: Adam Helewka

Age (as of 10/12/16): 21

Position: Left Wing

2015-16 Team: Spokane Chiefs, Red Deer Rebels, San Jose Barracuda

Where he’ll (probably) be next year: San Jose Barracuda

What we like: Hard worker, solid fundamentals

What to improve on: Continued improvement with the puck

Highlight:

Apologize in advance for the potato quality. The goal seen here is Helewka scoring a goal to lead the Red Deer Rebels back against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The Rebels responded with four unanswered goals and this was the fourth of the game. The proverbial cherry on top.