LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Jakub Dvořák

With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Jakub Dvořák!

Jakub Dvořák

Birthdate: May 25, 2005

Birthplace: Liberec, Czechia

Height: 6’5

Weight: 203 lbs

Position: Defense

Shoots: Left

Draft: 2nd round, 54th overall, 2023 NHL Entry Draft

2024-25 season

Jakub Dvořák’s first full professional season in North America went as expected. The organization showed patience with his development, which included rotating him in and out of the Ontario Reign lineup early in the season. Injuries to Angus Booth, Caleb Jones, and Cole Krygier sped up the process, and Dvořák saw an increase in his role. Dvořák, 20, played in Czechia, the WHL, and the AHL all before turning 20, so taking the cautious approach with Dvořák being a project was the right move.

Dvořák isn’t a player I’m high on, but I can see why the Kings like him, as he is a big left-handed defenseman despite being raw. One of the biggest mysteries with Dvořák was his skating, because there were mixed reviews about it. Upon taking a closer look, I leaned toward the side of it being an area for improvement rather than a strength, particularly his lateral mobility.

Dvořák finished the season with four points (all assists) in 46 games. He also helped Team Czechia win a Bronze medal in his final year of World Junior (U20) eligibility.