Ethan Czata: 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Physical Two-Way Center

Ethan Czata ticks a lot of boxes lacking in the Devils prospect pool. Read about him here.

Our profiles of 2025 draft-eligible prospects continue with Ethan Czata, a center, who the Devils might have an opportunity to select in the 2nd round.

Who is Ethan Czata?

Ethan Czata was born May 29, 2007 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. A left-handed shooting center, Czata is 6’1’’ and 174 pounds according to Elite Prospects. Czata has played for the Niagra Ice Dogs of the OHL for the past two seasons improving from 7 goals and 17 points in 62 games his first season to 21 goals and 55 points in 68 games this past year.

Czata has some international experience this past season, suiting up for the U18 Hlinka Cup and World Juniors Championship for Team Canada, even managing a goal and five points in seven games in the latter tournament.

Where is Czata Ranked?

• NHL Central Scouting: 49th (among NA skaters)
• ELITEPROSPECTS.COM: 56th
• TSN/BOB McKENZIE: 53rd
• MCKEEN’S HOCKEY: 56th Ranked
• Recruit Scouting: 62nd
• FCHOCKEY: 58th

What others say about Czata

The consensus around Czata seems to be that of a jack of all trades, master of none type of center. Most scouting reports tout Czata’s defensive two-way play, high compete level, penalty killing, shifty skating, playmaking ability, hard shot, and physicality. None of these qualities seems to be elite, but his drawbacks hardly seem insurmountable either. Most question his pace, but admit it has improved dramatically already throughout this past season. Others believe his passing skills need improvement in order to develop a higher offensive ceiling.

Here are some quotes:

Czata’s offensive skills highly rated, not elite. He has a quick release, accurate shot, and the ability to find open teammates for scoring chances. His vision and creativity make him a dangerous playmaker. – Dominic Tiano, OHL Writers

When fully engaged, the 6-foot-1 forward is in the mix along the boards to try and win puck possession to help start a breakout or a clearing attempt. Overall, Czata’s defense is very strong, which made him one of the Niagara IceDogs’ most consistent penalty killers this season. – Jordan Orth – The Hockey Writers

Czata projects as a bottom-six NHL forward with upside as a defensive matchup center or fourth-line agitator who can chip in some secondary offense and play secondary special teams. His physicality, motor, and penalty-drawing ability make him a potential fan favorite and a glue guy on a checking line. Neutral Zone

Neutral Zone had the harshest critiques of Czata that I found, noting the following deficiencies that are still a work in progress: a rigid skating stride, lack of finesse, accuracy in his shot, and face off execution, which seems as a bit of a nitpick as its 49%, not catastrophic, but definitely something that should be improved upon. Even with these criticisms, the site projected Czata as a bottom six defensive center.

A Little Video

An Opinion

I’m encouraged by Czata as a prospect and believe his deficiencies are correctable. Putting more weight and muscle onto his frame should go along way in correcting any deficiency in his skating stride. Face off execution can be taught, as can accuracy, though it should be noted scouting reports differ here. Some tout Czata’s shot accuracy, others believe it’s a work in progress. Either way, Czata probably will not have the finesse to be a top of the lineup center, but improvements in his passing could elevate him into middle six projection consideration. Czata already possesses the hockey IQ to be a high-end passer, so the issue seems to be a need for more consistent execution.

Czata is the type of player the Devils are lacking in their system. Whether he will be the best player for the Devils to pick with their first 2nd round selection is hard to say, but he would be a great addition with the latter 2nd round pick and a potential steal in later rounds.

Your Take

What are your opinions on Ethan Czata? Do you think the Devils should select him if available? Let us know your thoughts below.