Lukas Tomka (LW, L, 6’2″, 191, HC Banska Bystrica, 02/08/2007)
Lukas Tomka is a rangy, left-shot winger with straight-line speed, a physical edge, and emerging two-way detail. While his minutes are limited (averaging 10:41 TOI per game), Tomka has found ways to make his presence felt in the Slovak men’s league, which can be a difficult jump for U18 players. His projection leans toward a bottom-six NHL winger who can contribute on the penalty kill, disrupt on the forecheck, and wear opponents down with pace and body contact. While not a pure skill player, Tomka’s size, skating, and direct game style give him tools to be an effective pro if his puck skills and finishing touch continue to develop.
Why Lukas Tomka Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Size and Mobility:
At 6’2”, 190 lbs, Tomka has pro-ready size and uses it to his advantage. He skates well in straight lines, gets in on the forecheck quickly, and consistently finishes his routes. His 0.75 hits per game at the men’s level shows his physical engagement, and he is capable of separating players from pucks along the wall. He’s not a bruiser, but he plays with enough presence to impact shifts.
2) Role Versatility:
Despite limited special teams usage, Tomka sees time on both the penalty kill and second-unit power play, and he’s trusted with defensive zone face-offs (4:22 DZ TOI/game). His 0.55 shots blocked per game and 1.89 takeaways per game highlight his ability to contribute in high-traffic areas, and he brings a competitive element that coaches trust in tight-checking situations.
3) Net-Front Skill and Detail:
Tomka is active around the crease, showing a quick stick on rebounds and a willingness to take crosschecks to maintain net-front position. His 0.74 Grade “A” scoring chances/game on limited ice time is an encouraging sign, and while his 10% conversion rate is average, he positions himself well to capitalize on second-chance plays.
4) Adaptation to Pro Level:
For a teenager playing against adult competition in Slovakia’s top league, Tomka has shown composure and discipline. His giveaways per game (3.1) are manageable considering the role and pace, and his pass completion rate (83%) and ability to generate 0.59 completed Grade “A” passes per game show flashes of spatial awareness and offensive upside.
5) Battle Percentage for Size:
Despite competing versus older, bigger and stronger Slovakian professionals, Tomka wins 48% of his 50/50 puck battles. This number is an indicator of success as he matures, trains and grows into his frame.
Why Lukas Tomka Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Average Skill Level with the Puck:
Tomka’s puck skill set is functional but not high-end. He doesn’t create separation with deception, and his 1.44 shots on goal per game and 2.2 total shot attempts suggest he struggles to create his own looks. His 0.4 blocked shots per game and 0.4 misses the net per game also indicate inefficiency and a need to work on quick-release mechanics and shot angle generation.
2) Limited Offensive Ceiling:
Tomka plays a straight-line, north-south game and is most effective as a complementary piece rather than a driver. He doesn’t beat defenders 1-on-1, lacks creativity with the puck, and his 0.15 penalties drawn per game is a concern for a player who should be drawing attention and contact through sheer physicality and puck control.
3) Lack of Identity with the Puck:
While his off-puck habits are advanced, Tomka doesn’t yet have a clear offensive identity. He’s not a shooter (10% conversion on Grade “A” chances), not a puck transporter, and doesn’t operate as a playmaker. Unless one of these areas becomes a legitimate tool, it’s difficult to project middle-six value at the NHL level.
Projection
Tomka projects as a bottom-six, north-south winger who can kill penalties, pressure pucks, and play a straightforward, reliable game on a checking line. He may find a pro niche in North America a sandpaper power forward if his skating and physical presence continue to trend upward.
Draft Grade: 5th–7th Round
Tomka’s size, pace, and work ethic give him a legitimate pro foundation, especially in a bottom six role. While there’s not enough offensive flash to justify an early selection, teams looking for a long-term project with physical tools and a defined National League profile may take a swing earlier than expected. At minimum, Tomka is worth an NHL team’s time and effort.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images