Slovak Prospect Adam Goljer Rapidly Rising on NHL Draft Boards
A promising young defenseman, Adam Goljer, is quickly becoming a name to watch for the 2026 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old Trenčín player recently achieved a significant milestone, scoring a crucial goal in Sunday’s match against Dukiel, and is currently ranked as the top Slovak prospect by NHL Central Scouting.
Early Success and Rising Stock
Goljer’s impact was felt immediately in the game, reducing Dukiel’s lead to 1-2 after a swift counterattack. This goal wasn’t just a point on the scoreboard; it underscored his growing potential. In mid-January, he earned the distinction of being the highest-rated Slovak player eligible for the 2026 draft, according to the latest rankings from NHL Central Scouting. Independent scouts further validated his talent, placing him 13th among all European skaters.
A Dynamic Goal Against Michalovce
The standout moment came in the 25th minute against Michalovce. A feed from Jordan Bellerive set up Jaedon Descheneau for a counterattack, and Descheneau, recognizing Goljer’s aggressive positioning, delivered a precise cross-pass. Goljer didn’t hesitate, confidently beating goalkeeper Vladimír Glosár for his fourth goal in the Slovak top competition. You can view the goal here: [VIDEO: Adam Goljer’s fourth goal in the top Slovak competition]. Despite Goljer’s contribution, Trenčín ultimately fell to Michalovčany with a final score of 2-4.
Reaching a Historic Milestone
This goal marked Goljer’s tenth point of the season, a remarkable achievement for a player of his age. He is only the fifth defender – joining Tomáš Slovák, Erik Černák, Brandt Clarke, and Šimon Nemec – to reach double-digit points as a teenager in the league. All four previous players were drafted relatively high, with Clarke being selected eighth overall in 2021 and Černák in the 43rd position in 2015. Notably, Černák, Clarke, and Nemec have all gone on to play in the NHL.
Dominating Playtime and a Record-Breaking Streak
Despite his youth, Goljer is a key player for Trenčín, consistently logging over 20 minutes of ice time per game and directing the team’s power plays. His performance in late November and December was particularly impressive, as he embarked on a seven-game point streak before participating in the Under-20 World Cup. This streak began on November 23 against Košice and continued through matches against Spišská Nová Ves, Nitra, Zvolen, Prešov, Slovan, and again Nitra. No other teenager had accomplished such a feat since detailed match statistics became available in the 2002/03 season. Previously, Brandt Clarke and Šimon Nemec held the longest streaks at five consecutive games, with Nemec achieving his during playoff action.
Looking Ahead to the Under-18 World Cup
Slovakia will host the Under-18 World Cup in April, and Adam Goljer is expected to be a central figure for the national team. His continued development and impressive statistics suggest a bright future for this rising star. You can view the full match between Trenčín and Michalovce here: [VIDEO: Editing of the entire match Trenčín – Michalovce].
