| Oilers sign Czech d-man Tomas Cibulka [message #851164] |
Fri, 27 March 2026 15:46  |
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 Skookum Jim
Messages: 6001
Registered: March 2006
Location: Burnaby, BC
6 Cups
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Bruce Curlock with a great write up on Cibulka (c/w video clips)
Sounds like a project
https://bcurlock.substack.com/i/192981198/tomas-cibulka
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Tomas Cibulka
The 22 year-old left shot defensman is not unfamiliar with North America having spent three years in the QMJHL before returning to Czechia. While his numbers in his final season were essential at a point per game, it was not enough to secure a North American professional contract. In his two years since returning to Czechia, he has basically scored at a .40 points per game average. This season he was 10th in regular season scoring for defensmen with only one player outscoring him who was younger. This is a positive development as Cibulka will grow as a player given his age.
The offensive capability can be quite easily seen in Cibulka’s game. He is in constant motion on the attack and has nice puck skills to work with.
His lateral footwork is not great, but it is above average. He also has a nice understanding of how to set-up time and space for his teammates in the offensive zone.
Cibulka’s skating is a bit of a challenge for me. Structurally, he has a nice set up from top to bottom. He has very good upper body position. He also has good ankle and knee flexion. The stride is decently long and his skates return to position quite quickly. The issue is that he does not generate a lot of power to breakaway from players. He also does not use the cross-over technique very much, which I believe could help.
Yet, his skating is still good enough to get into positions to both defend and attack.
For his skating, I view it as an opportunity for improvement. He will need to do that for certain because he also a very slight player.
Cibulka is not small at 6’0”, but he is not heavy. The combination of his physical stature and lack of dynamic skating will challenge him in North American pro ranks. He has bite when he is in battles, but without some work to both skating and build, it will be a challenge.
If you’re thinking of what he may look like in Bakersfield, it is something along the lines of Cam Dineen. Not as good a skater, but there is a chance to improve. However, he has good offensive instincts like Dineen. In addition, he plays with some bite and assertiveness which will help. Overall, it is a very nice signing and at his age, there is an ability to project improvement to his game.
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[Updated on: Sat, 04 April 2026 15:18]
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