Eighteen-year-old Czech forward Vojtěch Čihař signed a three-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Kings, who selected him in the second round of this year’s NHL draft. At the same time, the talent said goodbye in Karlovy Vary, after the championship of the twenties he will play in the Canadian junior WHL for Kelowna.
The contract is valid until the end of the 2027/28 season, thanks to which Čihař can earn up to 975 thousand dollars (about 20.3 million crowns) per year.
“A huge congratulations is due to Vojt. Over the last three years, he has made a tremendous sporting progress, the signing of the contract is only a well-deserved consequence of continuous growth and the ability to establish himself in adult hockey. We trust and support him to build on his performances overseas and continue to develop his potential,” sports director Jiří Kalous said for the Karlovy Vary website.
The Kings selected the Chomutov protege from the 59th pick of this year’s draft.
Vojtěch Čihar
attacker, 18 years old
” class=”hasqtip” href=”https://nhl.cz/hrac/10099231″>Cihař did not oppose either staying in Karlovy Vary or going overseas before the season, but after an agreement with both “his” clubs, he decided to stay.
After all, he has already firmly established himself in the men’s Tipsport extra league. In 43 games last year, he scored nine points (4+5) and played an average of 14 minutes per game. In this year’s 27 starts with almost the same ice team, he scored eight points (4+4).
“At a time when, unfortunately, fewer and fewer Czech players are gaining ground in the NHL, Vojt’s signing of a rookie contract with the Los Angeles Kings is all the more valuable. It is the result of his talent, hockey skills, hard work and, last but not least, character traits that LA representatives were very focused on,” said Energie executive Daniel Tobolka.
“At a time when, unfortunately, fewer and fewer Czech players are establishing themselves in the NHL, Vojt’s signing of a rookie contract with the Los Angeles Kings is all the more valuable.”
“For us, it is great that it will be known that HC Energie can be an ‘incubator’ of talent for professional hockey at the highest level. In addition to the player himself, the youth leadership of HC Energie and head coach Pavel Patera with his implementation team are also responsible for his growth – they are not afraid to give opportunities to young prospects in the extra-league A-team. We wish Vojt a long and successful career in the NHL,” he said.
There were no indications that the bronze medalist from the last MSJ had signed a contract, but his departure during the course of the year could be expected for some time: In November, Čihař became part of the exchange in the Canadian WHL. His rights were acquired by Kelowna, which is preparing for the spring Memorial Cup, where participation is guaranteed as the organizer. We wrote about it here.
Letting go is hard. But this one is with a smile — because, Čihy, we sincerely wish you that. Good luck across the Atlantic and show what you’ve got! ?? pic.twitter.com/vyeJHdylVx
— HC Energie K. Vary (@hokejkv) December 10, 2025
The 18-year-old forward will return from senior hockey to junior hockey. In the Rockets team, he will play with two compatriots as well as forwards,
Tomas Poletin
attacker, 18 years old
