Giants Select Right-Shot D-Man Floriš with 9th Pick in CHL Import Draft
Ladner, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants selected 2008-born defenceman Jakub Floriš’ (Bratislava, SVK) with the 9th overall pick in the 2026 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft on Tuesday morning.
Floriš’, 18, was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft this past weekend, 106th overall.
“Good size, big two-way defenceman that can skate,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “Obviously he’s going to be a big, big part of our team moving forward.”
CLICK FOR FLORIS’ ELITE PROSPECTS PROFILE
The 6-foot-3, right-shot blueliner has played the last two seasons in Finland. During the 2025-26 season, Floriš’ recorded 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points in 38 games for Lukko U20, ranking fourth among all defencemen in the Finnish U20 league in scoring.
During the 2024-25 season, he tallied 25 points in 37 games (8G-17A) for Lukko U18.
Internationally, Floriš’ recently represented Slovakia at the 2026 IIHF U-18 World Championships, where he tallied four points (2G-2A) in seven games.
Here's a look at Predators fourth-round pick Jakub Floris (No. 106). He's a 6-foot-3 defenseman with some offensive upside. Played well for Slovakia at the 2026 U-18 Worlds. pic.twitter.com/WpRTragS5G
— Russell Vannozzi (@RussellV_MSP) June 27, 2026
“Jakub Floriš outperformed Adam Goljer at the [U-18] tournament, displaying more aggressive defence while matching his counterpart in terms of puck-moving ability,” Elite Prospects scout David St. Louis said in a game report from May 13. “He escaped pressure, dragging forecheckers with him to pass back into space to his partner. And he constantly knocked opponents out of the play in this game, separating them from the puck…The tools look NHL projectable, especially his skating and physical ability, and the flashes of puck-moving potential only add to his projection. A potential bottom-pairing NHL defender.”
The Giants also hold the 70th overall pick in the CHL Import Draft. They will pass on their third round pick.
More from the Scouts
Elite Prospects
“Floriš’ appeal comes mainly down to the physical tools. He’s a projectable skater who achieves ideal depth and has plus-level four-way mobility, regularly able to chain together end-to-end rushes and catch up on attackers when they try to beat him wide…Floriš generates reliable value on both sides of the ice. He’s a proactive defender who leverages his tool advantage to pinch aggressively, force dump-ins by gapping up early, and has the frame to battle effectively down low. When the play turns the other way, he’s rushing to support it if not leading it. Interestingly, Lukko utilized him on the bumper spot on the power play, which played a big part in his high goal total.” – 2026 NHL Draft Guide
Daily Faceoff
“You usually know what you’re getting from Floriš every time he hits the ice. He’s a well-rounded blueliner who won’t wow you with his offensive game but can shut you down defensively. His skating is impressive and I love how physical he is along the boards. He plays a suffocating style that gives you little room to work with.” – Steven Ellis
The full list of 2026 CHL Import Draft selections can be found by clicking here.
