Top 3 defensemen the Vegas Golden Knights must draft

Adam Jiricek, HC Plzen

There's a good chance Adam Jiricek might be taken earlier in the first round, given his physical capabilities. However, he could be a good fit for the Vegas Golden Knights if he's available when the 19th overall pick is ready. There are plenty of benefits to picking the young Czech prospect.

He has professional experience in the Czech Republic's highest league, Czech Extraliga. He played 19 games with HC Plzen, putting him on the ice with some of hockey's best. He's also an incredible two-way player, with his speed and mobility helping both ends of the ice. That also comes with some physicality, where he doesn't shy away from hitting opponents. Jiricek also has a booming shot that might need some tweaks. However, he can become an offensive force if he can correct his shot.

Other aspects of Adam Jiricek could hurt him, too. As mentioned with Spencer Gill (and even Stian Solberg, to an extent), adding more bulk will benefit the Czech star's game. The NHL Draft prospect only weighs 178 lbs, making him a little light. The season-ending knee injury he suffered during the 2024 World Juniors might also be problematic. However, a physical defenseman is always fun to pick, especially if he can make smooth passes.