Prospect Q&A: Martin Kaut

Martin Kaut, 19, was selected at No. 16 overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft. Kaut spent the 2018-19 season in North America with the Avalanche's American Hockey League affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. With the Eagles, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound forward recorded 26 points (12 goals and 14 assists) in 63 games.
The Brno, Czech Republic, native also represented his country at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship and registered four points (three goals, one assist) in five contests. He also played for Team Czech Republic at the 2018 World Juniors, and he ranked fourth on the team with seven points (two goals and five assists) in seven games. The right wing also helped his country win gold for the first time at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in 2016, tallying four points (one goal and three assists) in five games.

Prior to his draft year, Kaut spent the 2017-18 campaign with HC Dynamo Pardubice in the top Czech professional league and recorded 16 points (nine goals and seven assists) in 38 games.
Kaut recently sat down with ColoradoAvalanche.com to discuss his first year with the Eagles and the upcoming season.
How was your experience playing for the Eagles in 2018-19?
"It has been a really good experience. It was my first year living in the United States, so I was just learning."

What was your favorite part about your first year living in Colorado?
"That's a tough question. Last year I lived in Loveland, so I think I would say being close to the mountains."
You participated in your second development camp this summer, what were you most looking forward to going into this year's camp?
"It's great to be back in Colorado with my teammates, like Shane Bowers. Last year was great, so I was looking forward to coming back for the week."

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
"I really want to make the Avalanche, so hopefully that."
What do you think is the best part of your game?
"I am a scorer, so my wrist shot maybe."
What is your favorite hockey memory?
"When we won the gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in Czech."

What is your typical pregame meal or snack?
"Pasta with chicken."
What does it mean to you to be a part of the Avalanche organization?
"I am really proud to be one of their players."