LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Jakub Dvořák

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LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Jakub Dvořák

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty | By Kyle Garcia | Last updated Sep 14, 2026 4:58 AM ET

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: 220 lbs

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Left

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

*NOTE: Since August 23rd, my Mom has picked the order of the training camp player previews for the Reign players because I couldn’t figure out what order to do them in. So, I asked for her assistance. Today, she chose Jakub Dvořák!

2025-26 season

Jakub Dvořák finished his second season with the Reign, but I was still left uninspired by the raw talent. Dvořák, 21, is still young and developing, and it will take time, but on some nights you could see why the Kings liked him. I remember a game on October 19th, a 3-2 win over the Colorado Eagles, where Dvořák controlled his gaps really well, had good stick placement on the penalty kill, and showed how physical he could be.

D-VO JOINS THE FIRST PRO GOAL CLUB!#ReignTrain | #ONTvsSJ pic.twitter.com/Fa5fsu5nbq

— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) November 1, 2025

On the other hand, there were nights I was left wondering what the Kings saw in him besides his size. His puck movement isn’t strong, and his skating is his biggest flaw. Dvořák skates north-south fine, but when he pivots and goes east-west in transition, it becomes an issue.

D-VO gets us on the board!#ReignTrain I #ONTvsTUC pic.twitter.com/OKBYHxVilM

— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) March 29, 2026

Dvořák played in 45 games and missed 13 in February and March with an injury. When he returned, he played in nine regular-season games but was a healthy scratch come playoff time. He finished the season with four goals and three assists to go along with 41 penalty minutes.

2026-27 outlook

Dvořák will be assigned to the Reign for his third professional season. The left-handed defenseman doesn’t have a high offensive ceiling, so his defensive game is going to need to stand out. In addition, his skating will need to improve so he doesn’t get beat in transition.

As of now, I have Angus Booth and Kirill Kirsanov ahead of him on the left side of the defense in the pipeline. I’m skeptical of Dvořák being a top-four NHL defenseman with his limited tools, and even a third-pairing defenseman in the NHL with his skating. Yes, he’s still 21, and I’m sure the organization will stay patient, but we’ll need improvements in his game and development eventually. The 2026-27 season will be a big season for him.

This article first appeared on Hockey Royalty and was syndicated with permission.

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