Defensive Prowess Huge for Prospect Jakub Dvorak

As much talent as he possesses, Jakub Dvorak not only continues to learn but continues his ardency to learn. A student of the game in every sense of the term, Dvorak, so to speak, provides a day off for his coaches. That isn’t to say that his coaches won’t go to work, of course. Rather, that’s to suggest that those coaches do not need to worry about their young blueliner as far as potential attitude issues go.

“Jakub’s a really easygoing guy,” McEwen emphasized. “He’s very mature for his age already. It’s easy to have a conversation with him. When he first came over [to North America], we tried to hit him with some individual clips as much as we could. And he’s someone that is able to take things in really quickly and apply them. He’s a very good listener, good at having conversations.”

On whether Dvorak’s passion for learning equates to his physical work ethic, McEwen and his staff have no doubts.

“Our D coach meets with him once a week to try and find some things for him to improve on, especially just coming over and playing a different game and pace,” he added. “But very mature for his age, willing to work on his game and get better, and very easy to handle. He’s probably more on the quiet side, but anytime we want him to change or work on something, he wants to be a player. So, he’s willing to do that and trying to apply it right away.”

Shut-Down D-Man

His towering frame may be what stands out from a visual standpoint. However, Jakub Dvorak’s size isn’t what is front-and-center. Instead, the LA Kings’ prospect defensive abilities – his knack for shutting down the opposition – is what really sticks out. McEwen, for one, sure loves this aspect of Dvorak’s game.

“His size is such a strength for him and how strong he is already,” noted the Broncos assistant. “I think the biggest thing for him is the size combined with his strength already. Like I said, I think his strengths are defending. He does have some offense, but where he’s really going to strive and just the way he closes gaps with his skating ability. He has long reach, so he’s able to kill plays early and then transition and get up ice really quickly.

“Then, defending. He’s very good at killing plays down low, transitioning the puck from defense to offense and coming out of our zone. One of our best, great go players as a defenseman on our team last year and just one of his strengths that will really help him, I think, move on to the next level. He’s got a really good IQ and is able to read pressure very well. So, I think just his size and his skating is [a testament] to how he defends already and moves pucks under pressure with the huge frame he has. That’s something that he can use at the next level.”

Having recently signed a three-year entry-level deal with the LA Kings last month, you can bet that Jakub Dvorak will become an even more significant part of the club’s pipeline.  At 19, he may not exactly be on the doorstep to the NHL. However, this coming season in Swift Current may just give everyone a better idea. A better idea of just what the big man is capable of. Nevertheless, the thought of Dvorak on the big club’s blueline is certainly something fun to think about. From his size and reach to his sheer defensive abilities, Jakub Dvorak looks as if he’s just what the future Kings need. Only time will tell, though. But until then, it’s fun to just enjoy the ride.