Kings select defenseman Adam Goljer (Round 2, Pick 49)

The LA Kings have selected defenseman Adam Goljer with the 49th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The Vitals
Name: Adam Goljer
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
DOB: June 7, 2008
Height: 6-1
Weight: 195
Hometown: Trencin, SVK
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 14 (European Skaters)
McKeen’s Hockey Final Ranking: 28
FloHockey / Chris Peters Final Ranking: 33
The Hockey News / Tony Ferrari Final Ranking: 35
Sportsnet / Jason Bukala Final Ranking: 45

Stats (HK Dukla Trencin, Slovakia-1) 43 GP, 4 G, 7A, 11 PTS, 40 PIMS

Expert Opinions
Corey Pronman / The Athletic
Goljer is a well-rounded defense prospect. He skates well, he’s not overly physical, but he works hard, breaks up a lot of plays and retrieves pucks effectively. Goljer won’t stand out offensively, but he has good hands and offensive instincts, a hard point shot and can execute difficult plays with the puck, even though at higher levels he will only have first-pass offense. He projects as a steady top-four defenseman who could provide value at both ends of the ice.

Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Goljer is raw, but that’s fine because there’s some solid upside. At 6-foot-3, he has size. He also plays with a ton of confidence, allowing him to consistently attack and defend strongly against older competition in the top Slovak league. Playing close to 20 minutes a night against men is no small feat for a 17-year-old, no matter the league. I like his gap control, his proficiency as a passer, and the pure power he plays with. I think he can get a bit antsy and make mistakes with his defensive reads under pressure, and his foot speed needs work. Both were exposed at the U-18s, but he’d often make up for it by dominating at both ends of the ice when he was at full force. But there’s raw talent there.

Quick Take – The LA Kings used their second pick in round number two adding a right shot defenseman with lots of size. He isn’t labeled as an offensive or defensive type blueliner but rather someone that can be a reliable player in all situations. His experience playing against older competition is also an intriguing piece to his resume. While he still may be a little raw, having turned 18 just a few weeks ago there is a lot of upside he can turn into a solid two-way defender.