Maxim Čajkovič


Maxim Čajkovič is a Slovak professional ice hockey winger currently under contract with HC Litvínov of the Tipsport Extraliga.

Career

Early career

Maxim Čajkovič was born on 3 January 2001 in Bratislava. He represented Slovakia in international junior tournaments and was regarded as one of the promising young forwards of his generation. Despite the high expectations, his international career faced a notable controversy in 2020. During the Slovak national junior team’s pre-tournament camp ahead of the World Junior Championships, Čajkovič was dismissed from the team following two aggressive hits on teammates during an intra-squad scrimmage. One of the hits resulted in a concussion for fellow forward Samuel Krajč, while another involved a hard challenge on Jakub Kolenič.

North American Career

Following his draft selection by the Tampa Bay Lightning in as the only Slovak player drafted in the NHL entry draft, Čajkovič moved to North America to pursue an NHL career. However, he did not make an appearance in the National Hockey League, instead playing in its affiliated minor leagues. He spent time in the American Hockey League and the ECHL, primarily with the Iowa Wild and other affiliates. In 2020 he played one session for Bratislava Capitals on loan.

Return to Europe

In 2024, after six years in North America, Čajkovič returned to Europe, signing with HC Verva Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga. He cited the move as a new chapter in his career, expressing a strong desire to continue improving and potentially earn another opportunity in the NHL. During the 2024–25 season, Čajkovič recorded 11 points across 36 games for Litvínov. The club saw potential in his development and exercised its contract option to retain him for the following season.

Senior National Team Play

In May 2025, Čajkovič made his senior national team debut at the 2025 IIHF World Championship in Stockholm. Although he was initially a healthy scratch and did not play in the team’s first two games, he was officially added to the active roster ahead of Slovakia’s third match against Austria.
Čajkovič marked his debut with an assist on Matúš Sukeľ’s equalizing goal, helping tie the game at 2–2 before Slovakia ultimately lost in a shootout, 2–3.