Jiri Tlusty was selected in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 13th overall pick. On July 14, 2006, Jiri Tlusty signed a 3-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.On September 25, 2006 Tlustý was assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League where he started his Pro Career playing in 6 games scoring 3 goals and adding 1 assist for a total of 4 points. He would later be sent down to Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League on October 23, 2006.In Tlustý’s first 13 games of his OHL career, he sustained a bad high-ankle sprain that kept him out of the lineup for nearly 6 weeks as he attended treatment in Toronto. The injury also kept him from joining the Czech National team at the World Junior Hockey Championships although he was named to the pre-tournament roster.Jiri Tlusty made his return to the lineup in mid-January 2007. He finished his first regular season in the OHL with 13 goals, 21 assists for 34 points in 37 games. With Jiri Tlusty back in the lineup, the Greyhounds made a strong finish leading into the playoffs and scored an upset in the first round, eliminating the Saginaw Spirit in 6 games. In the next round they faced the London Knights and lost in 7 games. Jiri Tlusty had a strong playoff scoring 9 goals and 8 assists for 17 points in 13 games.
On Thursday, October 25th, 2007 Jiri Tlusty played his first NHL game against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored 2 goals in the first NHL game he played.
Scouting Report
Assets
Is very creative with the puck, and has both playmaking and finishing skills. Can play all three forward positions. Is strong on his skates.
Flaws
Needs to work on his play without the puck, as well as in the defensive zone. Must adjust to the more physical aspects of the North American game.
Career potential
Top six forward.
Transactions / Injuries / Suspensions
05-Dec-07:
Missed 5 games (ankle injury) and assigned to Toronto (AHL).
24-Nov-07:
Ankle injury, day-to-day.
24-Oct-07:
Recalled from Toronto (AHL).
01-Oct-07:
Assigned to Toronto (AHL).
25-Oct-06:
Returned to his junior team (Sault Ste. Marie-OHL).
25-Sep-06:
Assigned to Toronto (AHL).
14-Jul-06:
Signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs to a three-year entry-level contract.
Trades
24-Jun-06:
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1st round (13th overall) in 2006.
