Denis Rehak

2006-07 Update: March 1, 2007: Denis Rehak went 1-3-4 in 8 games played with SK Horácká Slavia Trebíc over the last month of play. His team went 4-4-0 in February. He set a career high in points this season with 13. He attended Islanders training camp in 2003. Rehak has to be signed by June 1, 2007 to remain Islanders property. Most likely that won't happen.

February 2007: Denis Rehak went 1-3-4 in 8 games played with SK Horácká Slavia Trebíc over the last month of play. His team went 4-4-0 in January. His 9 points this season ties his career high that he set last season with Trebic. He's done it in 8 fewer games and he has a career high 5 goals.

January 2007: It is unclear whether Denis Rehak is still Islanders property. NHL teams, according to the new CBA, retain rights for all players drafted in 2003 until the end of the 2006-07 season. Though Rehak did spend some time in the WHL in 2003-04 which may have resulted in the Islanders losing his rights two years following his draft. Whatever it is, it doesn't seem like Rehak is in the Islanders plans anyway. This year, Rehak is spending his second season with SK Horácká Slavia Trebíc in the Czech Republic. He has 4 goals with Trebic this season: one in a 3-2 loss at HC VČE Hradec Králové on 11/1, 2 goals including the game-winner on 11/18 in a 3-1 win at BK Mladá Boleslav, and another game-winner in a 1-0 win vs. HC Havířov Panthers on 12/20. He also recorded an assists in a 6-1 loss vs. HC Dukla Jihlava on 11/25.

2005-06 Update: Denis Rehak left the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars mid-season back in 2003-04 and returned to Dukla Trencin in Slovakia. In 2004-05 he began playing in the Czech Extraliga for Brno in an under 20 division. He recorded 19 points in 46 games played. For 2005-06 he is playing for Slavia Trebic in the Czech Republic.

Isles Scouting Report:

"His father still plays professionally, so this guy has the bloodlines," said scout Karel Pavlik. "He's strong for his size and he likes to skate with the puck. He has the chance to be an offensive defenseman. He likes to start the play, carry the puck and makes a good first pass."

Pavlik was very happy that Rehak was still available at this point in the draft because of the blueliner's potential. Rehak may even play in North America this coming season to enhance his skills and adapt to the different style of play.

"I've met him many times and I like his character," said Pavlik. "He wants to get better as a hockey player."

In 24 games this past season, Rehak notched an assist with six penalty minutes. The 6-2, 200 pounder has very good upside, according to Pavlik.

"I think he needs to become more dynamic in his skating," said Pavlik. "He's a good skater now, but I think he can get better because he loves to compete. If he comes to North America, it will be good for him."

islesinfo.com: Rehak was drafted 51st overall by the WHL's Prince George Cougars in the CHL Import Draft on June 26th. He will have the option of remaining in Slovakia with Trencin for 2003-04 or coming to North America. Blaho was drafted 45th by the OHL's Sudbury Wolves and will have the same options. Expect Rehak to join the Cougars where past drafted Isles defensemen Eric Brewer and Zdeno Chara honed their skills.

Cougars Draft A Second Euro
Thursday, June 26, 2003

courtesy pgcougars.com

Prince George, BC - The draft-day dealing has paid off for the Prince George Cougars. The player they wanted most of all is now safely under the Cougars umbrella. Denis Rehak (REE-hak) is a highly regarded defenseman from Trencin (TREN-shin), Slovakia. He was, in fact, drafted by the New York Islanders (7th round, 212 overall) last weekend in Nashville.

“We are obviously very happy to get Denis. We put ourselves in good position, today, to get him,” says Cougars Assistant General Manager Dallas Thompson. “Reports from the NHL scouts we talked to say this guy is a very good skater who loves to compete. A character guy. He has the potential to be an offensive d-man, to move the puck, and has the ability to play physically in front of our net.”  

Rehak stands 6’2’’, weighs 200 lbs, shoots left and his date of birth is May 14, 1985. He played last season with the junior team in Trencin. His father is also a pro, still playing in Europe. Coming to North America to play this season was a priority issue for the New York Islanders’ plans for Rehak’s development and the physical Cougars are a perfect fit for those goals.

The Cougars traded their 4th round 2004 Bantam Draft pick to the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for the Kings’ 51st overall Euro pick this year. Prince George used the pick to select Rehak.