© Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS — Jakub Demek has checked off one of the last boxes on his to-do list before reaching the NHL with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Their mantra significantly emphasizes on the need for professional players to partake in another development camp after they have finished their initial full season.

The 21-year-old forward prospect, who was a fourth-round (No. 128) pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has accomplished what he set out to do last month. Demek, during camp, assumed a leadership position, mentoring younger players as per the expectations of experienced players in Vegas.

“When I was younger, I required guidance from others to understand how things functioned here,” said Demek. “I’m attempting to be as helpful as those older individuals who assisted me.”

“Leadership is that final piece of the development puzzle when you’re at your last developmental camp,” said Wil Nichol, Golden Knights director of player development. “It’s a significant aspect of development as you continue to pass on the cultural baton.”

Last season, in his first professional year with the American Hockey League’s Henderson, Demek accumulated 16 points from seven goals and nine assists over 55 games. He had a short stint with Vegas on Feb. 23 but did not get his NHL debut.

He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to practice with the Golden Knights and anticipates another opportunity in the future.

“Seeing it was a realization of a dream,” Demek stated. “It was a valuable lesson for me. I hope I can witness it again.”

Demek, like many young players, has set his sights on becoming bigger, faster, and stronger. He is also striving to grasp the concept of being in the right place at the right time and comprehend the workings of professional systems.

“Coming from junior, the emphasis is on skill and speed,” Demek shared, reflecting on his 65 points (24 goals, 41 assists) record over two seasons with Edmonton and Kamloops from the Western Hockey League spanning 2021 to 2023. “At the professional level, the players are highly skilled, extremely fast, and strong. Scoring and accumulating points becomes a greater challenge. However, with experience, it progressively becomes easier.”

Demek stated that his summer workout regimen hasn’t drastically altered, consisting largely of skill exercises, weight training, and appropriate nutrition. His objective is to transform into a versatile 200-foot player, a requirement for forwards upon getting the call to join the NHL.

“He said, ‘We’re attempting to concentrate on a different aspect of the game. I’m also scrutinizing my own game. I’m striving to enhance all facets of the game to better my skills.”