The Kings made a formal commitment to their top selection in this year’s draft Friday, signing defenseman Jakub Dvorak to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The towering rearguard, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs more than 200 pounds, was one of the top three players the Kings targeted at No. 54 overall, per Kings scouting director Mark Yannetti.
The Kings passed on an opportunity to move into the 30s, Yannetti said, as they felt confident in Dvorak and winger Koehn Ziemmer, a second-round target that slipped to the Kings in the third.
Both players attended last week’s development camp, where Dvorak offered a quick glimpse of his game.
“I’m more specialized to defense. I’m more of a defensive defenseman, but I do try to be offensive as much as I can and support the rush,” Dvorak told reporters.
The Czech national drew praise from fellow prospect Brandt Clarke, as well as members of the Kings’ player personnel staff.
“Great skill set (and) a really good grasp of English. We called him right away there and it was awesome, great to see him take the initiative with that,” former Kings defenseman Matt Greene told reporters. “Big body, skates really well, great shot, he’s been good in the games. He’s been really impressive; it’s a good pick.”
Dvorak’s deal is worth up to $900,000 annually in base salary. It is unlikely that the clock will start ticking on the contract any time soon as Dvorak projects to spend at least one more season in his native country’s top pro league.
