The LA Kings drafted Dvorak in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The LA Kings drafted Dvorak in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The Swift Current Broncos made headlines on Tuesday, announcing they had signed import defenceman Jakub Dvorak. The LA Kings prospect had been playing at home in Czechia with Bílí Tygři Liberec, splitting time between their U20 and pro team. Listed at 6'5" and 203 pounds, Dvorak was initially selected by the Broncos 22nd overall in the 2022 import draft and will fill Swift Current's vacant import slot.
This season, Dvorak has spent most of the season in Czechia's pro league, playing 19 games with Bílí Tygři Liberec. During that time, he has scored two goals and added an assist but has struggled to get consistent ice time this year. The hope is the move to the Broncos will help the Kings signed prospect develop and give him a chance to transition to the North American ice surface before he makes the jump to the AHL.
Dvorak also has a long history of playing for Czechia internationally. He captained the U18 squad at the World Under-18 Championships in 2022/2023 and was also part of the U18 club at the 2021/2022 tournament. Before being drafted, he also played at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, helping Czechia finish in fourth place.
Here is Broncos general manager Chad Leslie via the team statement on the addition of Dvorak:
“We are excited to add Jakub to our lineup. He skates extremely well, and makes simple, easy plays and has the ability to play a lot of minutes for us right away.”
