[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.13th: Though he looked like a sure-fire pick for the top-64 in the 2026 Draft in the last 2 Hlinka tournaments (3 points in 4 games apiece), Central Scouting saw fit to give RD Adam Goljer (6'3",194lbs) a "C"-rating; he is still showing up in the top-two rounds on plenty of lists, though. He even showed up as #13 on their list of European Skaters in their Mid-Term List. The big Slovak is tied for 32nd-overall in scoring by D in his home country's top men's league, with 11 points in 37 games, which also makes him the 5th-highest scoring U-18 defenseman in league history- and there's still plenty of hockey left in the season. Goljer took part in the most recent edition of the World Juniors, but didn't get any points for the Slovaks. He's pretty young too, being born on June 7th, 2008, which is a big selling point.

Goljer will most likely be a bit of a project, as he needs upgrades to his speed, puck-skill, and consistency, though his stride is mechanically smooth and projectable, and is above-average in speed for the junior-ranks. Even at his young age, he's a minute-munching workhorse against men, and reportedly often gets the highest time-on-ice for his team, HK Dukla Trencin- but as one would expect, his play in the pros has peaks and valleys as a developing player. He can log big minutes (he was third-overall in average TOI at the Hlinka) while playing in any situation, including both special teams. Goljer plays a physical game (at least against juniors) and carries a calm, poised demeanor in his smooth retrievals, as well as his passes out of the zone. He showed his shutdown abilities in the Hlinka, and at the WJC, with a solid gap to stop the rush, an active stick, and heads-up awareness in the zone. In the other end of the ice, he keeps it simple but supports the play well, facilitates offense, and has a hard shot from the point that he can get on net with good frequency; most of his play-creation comes from his high shot-volume. Against men, his gaps are a bit loose, his physicality is inconsistent at best, his net-front defense is rather weak, and his own-zone play looks a bit too carefree; he is working hard though, at using his stick and his range better against the rush, timing his poke-checks with more acuity, and cleaning up the chaotic nature of his own-zone play. There's an excellent base here, and he looks remarkably mature in the pro ranks as a young player, but he'll need a bit of work. Look for him in the second-round.