HC Škoda Plzeň Bolsters Roster with Four New Signings as Tomáš Cibulka Eyes NHL Breakthrough

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

PLZEŇ, Czech Republic — With the 2025-26 Czech Extraliga season still in its playoff stretch, HC Škoda Plzeň has already made waves in the offseason transfer market, announcing four new signings to strengthen its roster ahead of next season. Meanwhile, defenseman Tomáš Cibulka, a standout from Banes Motor České Budějovice, is set to pursue an NHL opportunity with the Edmonton Oilers after a breakout campaign in the Czech Republic.

The New Faces in Plzeň

HC Škoda Plzeň has wasted no time in rebuilding its blue line and forward corps, adding four players from three different leagues:

• Dylan MacPherson (Defenseman, 22) – Signed from EC VSV Villach of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL), Austria’s top professional league. MacPherson, a right-shot defenseman, recorded 18 points in 48 games last season.
• Jakub Chromiak (Defenseman, 19) – Arrives from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played for the Niagara IceDogs. Chromiak, a 2023 NHL Draft prospect, tallied 32 points in 68 games during his junior career.
• Adam Titlbach (Forward, 20) – Joins from the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he split time between the Vancouver Giants and Kamloops Blazers. Titlbach, a versatile forward, contributed 28 points in 64 games last season.
• Carter Robertson (Defenseman, 23) – Signed from HK 32 Liptovský Mikuláš of the Slovak Extraliga. Robertson, a stay-at-home defenseman, brings physicality and penalty-killing experience.

These additions address key roster needs for Plzeň, which saw seven players depart this offseason, including veteran defenseman Petr Zámorský and forward Adam Kubík. The team’s focus on youth and international experience suggests a long-term rebuild strategy under head coach Miloš Říha Jr..

Tomáš Cibulka’s NHL Ambitions

Although Plzeň strengthens its roster, one of the biggest stories of the Czech offseason is the impending NHL tryout for 22-year-old defenseman Tomáš Cibulka. After a career-best season with České Budějovice, where he posted 24 points in 52 games, Cibulka has signed a tryout agreement with the Edmonton Oilers, per official NHL transactions.

Cibulka, a native of České Budějovice, began his professional career with his hometown team in 2021. His offensive growth—particularly his power-play production—caught the attention of NHL scouts. While he remains unsigned to a standard NHL contract, the Oilers’ invitation reflects his potential as a depth defenseman with upside.

“What we have is a huge opportunity for Tomáš,” said Banes Motor České Budějovice general manager Martin Štrba in a team statement. “He’s worked hard to develop his game, and the Oilers have shown faith in his abilities. We wish him the best in training camp.”

Extraliga Transfer Market Heats Up Early

Plzeň’s moves are part of a broader trend in the Czech Extraliga, where teams are already reshaping their rosters for 2026-27. Other notable transactions include:

• HC Sparta Praha: Veteran forward Jakub Klepiš, a former NHL player and Czech national team member, announced his retirement after 22 professional seasons.
• Mountfield HK: Signed forwards David Sýkora (from HC Kolín) and Viliam Čacho (from HC Olomouc) to bolster its top six.
• HC Kometa Brno: Lost key contributors, including forward Šimon Stránský (to an undisclosed team) and defenseman Marek Ďaloga.

The early activity suggests a competitive offseason, with teams addressing playoff lessons and preparing for next season’s challenges. For Plzeň, the focus will be on integrating its new signings while navigating the departures of established veterans like Ville Lajunen and Radim Šalda.

What’s Next for Plzeň and Cibulka?

For HC Škoda Plzeň, the next steps involve finalizing its coaching staff and evaluating remaining roster needs. Training camp is expected to begin in late August, with preseason games slated for September. The team’s goal will be to climb from its 2025-26 seventh-place finish and challenge for a playoff spot in a stacked Extraliga.

As for Tomáš Cibulka, his NHL journey begins in earnest when the Oilers’ training camp opens in September. While the odds of cracking an NHL roster are steep—Edmonton’s blue line is deep with established players like Darnell Nurse and Mattias Ekholm—Cibulka’s tryout offers invaluable experience. If he doesn’t secure a spot, he could return to the Extraliga or explore opportunities in North American minor leagues like the AHL or ECHL.

One thing is certain: the Czech hockey landscape is evolving rapidly, and both Plzeň and Cibulka are at the forefront of this offseason’s most compelling storylines.

Key Takeaways

• HC Škoda Plzeň has signed four new players: Dylan MacPherson (ICEHL), Jakub Chromiak (OHL), Adam Titlbach (WHL), and Carter Robertson (Slovak Extraliga).
• Tomáš Cibulka, a 22-year-old defenseman, will attend the Edmonton Oilers’ training camp on a tryout agreement after a breakout season with České Budějovice.
• The Czech Extraliga’s transfer market is active early, with multiple teams making offseason moves ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
• Plzeň’s rebuild focuses on youth and international experience, while Cibulka’s NHL tryout highlights the league’s growing reputation as a pipeline for talent.

How to Follow

For official updates on HC Škoda Plzeň’s roster moves, visit the team’s official website. To track Tomáš Cibulka’s progress with the Oilers, follow NHL.com or the team’s social media channels.

What do you think about Plzeň’s offseason moves? Will Tomáš Cibulka earn an NHL contract? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on X (Twitter).