Tomas Galvas — 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

admin May 6, 2026

0 1 3 minutes read

Thomas Galvas

2025-26 squad: Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia)
Date of Birth: Feb. 11, 2006
Place of birth: Zlin, Czechia
Ht: 5-ft-10 Wt: 168 pounds
Shoot: Left
Position: Defender
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 third year eligible

Levels

One of the most notable overagers in this draft, Tomas Galvas, went undrafted in large part because of his size. NHL teams especially want big defensemen to fill out their blue line — most defensemen drafted in 2025 were at least six feet tall — and his frame doesn’t fit that mold.

That being said, he does offer a lot of good qualities. He’s a great skater, which he uses to his advantage when he’s upset. His skating and puckhandling combine in his ability to bring the puck into the neutral zone while avoiding defenders. His ability in transition is also reflected in his ability to make breakouts and extend passes. Although he tends to shift at times, he is a very skilled puck-mover with good release on his shot.

Tomas Galvas (Photo Credit: Bílí Tygři Liberec)

Defensively, Galvas needs to make sure his focus on offense doesn’t affect his defensive play. His offensive transition work is so strong that he is often happy to start the run early, which leads him to miss or miss defensive assignments altogether. He also doesn’t get involved in puck battles as often as he should because of his desire to leave them for breakaway opportunities, although he has improved in this area as his career has progressed. On the other hand, he is a back-checker who positions himself well in passing lanes and uses his stick effectively to disrupt passers and puckhandlers.

Galvas was passed over for two straight drafts, but he used that as motivation to pursue his career. He took on a major role with Bílí Tygři Liberec and various Czech national teams each season, steadily improving his numbers and making scouts, managers, and experts wonder why he was still undrafted. In his final eligible signing year, his growth should make teams pay more attention to him.

Some THW Draft profiles

Tomas Galvas – NHL Draft Projection

Galvas has done well enough in league and international play to draw attention to his undrafted status. His age and size may scare other teams, but he should finally hear his name called this summer. The fourth or fifth round sounds like the most likely spot for him.

Measurements

“He’s a smart professional defenseman with great skating skills. He uses quick transitions and tough stops to escape pressure. He’s patient with the puck and always makes smart passes. He always has his head up when rushing up the ice and sees great opportunities to shoot the stretch pass and play up the ice.” – Henry Lawrence, The Neutral Ground

“He makes quick, accurate passes that seem to throw off opponents a lot. He’s been passed over twice before (he’s 5-foot-10, and there’s still a language barrier), but I doubt it will happen again.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“Galvas’ offensive ability remains a strong point in his game, showing excellent dribbling and passing. The puckhandling he’s known for is still at a high level, with deceptive moves that allow him to move opposing players in the neutral zone or on the offensive line. He’s still on the small side, and his lack of physicality, at least from a scout’s point of view.” – Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News

Power

Passing by
Skating and puckhandling in transition
A gun to the wrist
Protective stickwork

Under Construction – Improvements To Be Made

Defense engagement
Over attack

NHL Power

Galvas probably isn’t big enough to be a top NHL defenseman, but he has enough skill to be an offensive-minded second blueliner who plays on the power play. When it comes to finding a role at the next level, he should clearly look to Lane Hutson, a consistent left tackle who has played well offensively to offset any decline in his game.

Risk Reward Analysis

Risk – 2/5, Reward – 3.5/5

The Power of Fantasy Hockey

Offense – 7.5/10, Defense – 5/10