On the second day of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Los Angeles Kings seem to be focused on the future with the moves and picks they have made in the second round. It started with the trade of Jordan Spence, which was surprising with the return only being two draft picks, then followed that up with the selection of Vojtech Cihar, who is viewed more as a project.
According to Neutral Zone, they believe that his path to the NHL will include one year in the CHL, followed by the NCAA, before he would be ready to make the jump to the AHL. The scouting report described Cihar as a "physically engaged winger with legitimate two-way presence and offensive instincts, Cihar plays with an edge, tracks well through all three zones, and has shown he can generate Grade “A” scoring chances despite limited offensive production."
This past year, the 18-year-old played 43 games in the Czechia with four goals and five assists and will likely return to that league next season. He also played at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and in five games, had one goal and two assists.
LA Kings lost the value they gained in the trade with the selection of Vojtech Cihar in the second round
There is no way of knowing at this point whether the selection of Vojtech Cihar will turn out to be a great selection. That will depend on the career that he has and if he reaches the NHL and makes an impact.
However, Cihar was viewed as a late-round prospect and one that needed time to develop. The Kings probably could have drafted Cihar in the third round and stayed at 24th overall if this was the direction they wanted to go.
While Ken Holland's plan isn't complete, there are already some early questions arising on Day 2 after what was seemingly a great first round for the Kings.