Maple Leafs could explore undrafted standout after dominant World Juniors showing
Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
An undrafted prospect is being touted as a highly intriguing option after dominating at the 2026 World Juniors.
The 2026 World Junior Championship has led to an unexpected prospect riser in Czechia defenseman Tomas Galvas as a player becoming one or the competition's unlikely key stars.
Galvas was expected to be one of Czechia's top players, having been a key asset in the past for the national team and domestically back home in the top flight Czech Extraliga.
The 19-year-old Galvas had three goals in nine points for the silver medal winning Czechs, Galvas finishing second in points behind Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh.
Galvas has 11 points in 19 games played this season with Liberec in the Extraliga, and people are taking note after the World Juniors of a clear talent.
What has been the most notable factor for the dominance of Galvas is that he is an undrafted prospect, having gone unselected in the past two NHL drafts.
The reason for Galvas not being drafted despite his World Juniors success and skill? Galvas' lack of size at 5'10 and 168lbs, undersized both in height and weight, although the size is notable it's more likely the lack of a frame that is a question.
Tomas Galvas could be headed for a sudden draft selection following WJC
The World Juniors success of Tomas Galvas could position him to a potential draft selection this time around in his third eligible year.
In his draft year, Galvas was a mobile offensive defenseman who showcased clear skill to his game and was a mature player who was able to play the entire season in a top pro league, but a clear question existed about his size and average defense.
For all the talent of Tomas Galvas, comparisons to Lane Hutson and Quinn Hughes are difficult, he's skinnier and less dominant than both, and also has the disadvantage of less eyes playing in Czechia.
This tournament could be a boost for Galvas who has shown himself to be one of the top players in the World Juniors, and has continued to add more skill to his game.
It should be noted that Galvas is reported to be at 168lbs according to the official weight provided, during the draft being measured at 150lbs, so he is adding some necessary additional weight.
Will a team look at drafting Tomas Galvas this year?
The question is what Galvas can be at the NHL with his size. Could Galvas be a star like Lane Hutson? A serviceable top-four D like Torey Krug? Reliable depth like Troy Stecher? Or an AAAA level player like Scott Perunovich currently?
Of course, Galvas is just a draft pick, and bigger projects are, and have been, taken ahead of him. He may not be the worst pick late in the draft.
Could Galvas be drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs? GM Brad Treliving and the Leafs amateur scouting team have focused more on size, and since Treliving's hiring Toronto has only drafted prospects 6'0 or taller, but have added off waivers the 5'10 Troy Stecher.
No defenseman under 6'0 were drafted in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, only two were drafted in 2024, 5'10 Cole Hutson to Washington at 43rd overall and 5'9 Aron Kiviharju at 122nd overall by Minnesota, both prospects having been viewed as having higher offensive upside.
Galvas will not be the only Czech that gets drafted this year. Fellow World Juniors teammate Adam Novotny is a potential lottery pick, and goaltender Martin Psohlavec is considered one of the better European goalie prospects.
Undoubtedly, Tomas Galvas has made a name for himself after the World Juniors, and despite his size, he may have forced scouts to really begin looking at the talented defenseman.