Do you want to know what the scariest thing is? No, it isn't seeing your grandmother naked (although that would be frightening). It isn't watching Stuart Skinner score two straight shutouts, only to be lit up for five goals the next outing, either.
It's whiffing on a draft pick. That's especially true when you're holding the top pick in the NHL Draft. Remember when Alexandre Daigle was the No. 1 pick for the Ottawa Senators? He was supposed to be the next Wayne Gretzky, bringing the Senators to prominence. It turns out he was more like Charles Barkley on skates.
The former forward was simply bored, becoming more interested in the film industry and dating Pamela Anderson. Luckily, the Vegas Golden Knights haven't had such a problem in their short franchise history. Whenever a first-round pick didn't pan out, Kelly McCrimmon would trade him.
Even better, the Golden Knights don't have to worry about getting the "Dud" in this year's draft. They don't have a first-round draft pick to worry about! However, they have six picks throughout the draft. After all, they've nailed later picks in past sessions with players such as Nicolas Hague (second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, 34th overall) and Pavel Dorofeyev (third-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, 79th overall).
This year? It has plenty of forward talent for McCrimmon to replenish his farm system. However, one draft prospect has stood out among mock draft boards. Lo and behold, he's a projected third-round draft pick!
Kelly McCrimmon can boost the Vegas Golden Knights with Vojtech Cihar
Vojtech Cihar might be 18 years old. However, he could be a solid forward if developed right. Cihar is primarily a left winger, but can also play the center position. NHL Central Scouting has him ranked fourth among international skaters. His ceiling sits at the early part of the second round, with other projections landing him in the third round.
The versatile forward is known for his work during the 2025 U18 World Championship. Here, he scored three points in five games during the tournament.
One thing that makes the 18-year-old special is his offensive versatility. He can find rebounds and excels in puck battles. While he doesn't have a positive sticking point in his game, Cihar doesn't have many weaknesses, either. I believe Thanos calls that "perfectly balanced."
That's not all, though. Want an adaptable player who plays in any situation? Cihar's your man. Do you need a winger who has a nose for high-danger chances? Look no further. Maybe Kelly McCrimmon needs a strong skater who can create space. The 18-year-old's right here.
How has Cihar done in the Czech big leagues?
While Cihar didn't have the most electric season with HC Energie Karlovy Vary (four goals and five assists in 43 games), he has done well in other levels.
For example, the 18-year-old has a solid showing in the Czechia U17 league in 2022-23. Here, he scored 23 goals and 23 assists in 31 games with HC Energie Karlovy Vary. The season prior, he had 18 goals and 22 assists in 32 games with Pirati Chomutov.
He was also great during the international junior competition, scoring six goals and six assists with Czechia's U18 team (15 games). He's shown that he can handle the spotlight well, taking on skilled players in his native country.
That could translate to on-ice success with the Golden Knights. Bruce Cassidy and company pride themselves on being skilled in more than one facet, which makes them wildly successful. That could be no different for the forward, who knows how to elevate his game when it matters.