Central Europe Stock Watch: Capitals prospect Petr Sýkora causing positive havoc
It's a notable time for Extraliga with the first international break for the national team. During that window teams have a chance to assess weaknesses and consider roster adjustments. Much will unfold after the break in this balanced league, but how teams respond remains uncertain. Here, we spotlight players who have made the latest Stock Watch, including those in Extraliga and nearby leagues.
Stock Rising 📈
Vojtěch Čihař, F, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (2025 NHL Draft)
HC Energie Karlovy Vary is renowned for nurturing young talent, and this season, Vojtech Cihar is shining. At 17, he’s playing over 15 minutes per game, a testament to his importance to the club. The skilled forward is a promising prospect—a dedicated winger who protects the puck well. He’s a powerful skater with an impressive shot, good movement, and strong finishing skills. He also plays with intensity and has a keen sense of game awareness.
Petr Sýkora, F, HC Oceláři Třinec (Washington Capitals)
Since being drafted, Petr Sýkora has displayed a mental boost, already surpassing his previous Extraliga points total with 6 points in 18 games. His smooth hands and quick release make him a potent offensive force, scoring with swift wrist shots or skillful dangles. Sýkora excels at forechecking and creating havoc in the offensive zone. He remains an exciting prospect with much room for further growth.
Radim Handl, F, Bílí Tygři Liberec
Radim Handl has been a standout this season. Transferring from Karlovy Vary, he has split time between Liberec’s main team and their U20 squad. While he hasn’t yet scored in his 5 games with the A-team, he’s a key player in the U20 team, where critical moments rely on him. Handl is a fast, adaptable player who battles for loose pucks and creates space with his keen play-reading. Used on both the power play and penalty kill, he’s unafraid to block shots and restrict opponent space—showing excellent development potential.
Stock Steady ↔️
Tomáš Galvas, D, Bílí Tygři Liberec
Tomas Galvas has had a tough start this season. Though he’s seeking a comeback, his team is struggling near the bottom of the standings, having already replaced their assistant coach. Galvas is logging substantial ice time, though mistakes have surfaced as he often draws pressure while holding the puck. He’s less confident carrying the puck up ice, creating fewer offensive chances. However, he’s performing well in the U20 league, where he has tallied 7 points in 5 games. We’ll see if things improve for him after the break.
Stock Falling 📉
Maroš Jedlička, F, HC Kometa Brno
Drafted by Colorado in the seventh round last year, Martin Jedlicka had a brief North American preseason before a shoulder injury against Dallas. This kept him out until March, and he didn’t play further games in North America. Returning to Kometa Brno this offseason, he was poised to make an impact, even practising with an all-Slovakian line. However, his ice time has since dwindled, and he’s now often limited to fewer than 10 minutes per game. A move back to Colorado, where he could join the Eagles lineup, might offer him a fresh start to rekindle his career.
