Edmonton Oilers
Oilers’ Confirm Contract Termination Plans: Forward Going Back to SHL
David Tomasek is reportedly heading back to Europe and the SHL, according to a report from Varmsland Folkblad.
** Updated Friday morning, December 26th:
The Edmonton Oilers have confirmed the report that David Tomasek is leaving the team. They posted on their official site the following:
“The Edmonton Oilers announced Friday they will be placing forward David Tomasek on waivers for the purpose of contract termintation. The 29-year-old will hit the waiver wire on Sunday following the NHL’s holiday roster freeze. The native of Czechia appeared in 22 games with the Oilers this season, scoring three goals and two assists. Tomasek signed a one-year deal with Edmonton on April 2 after completing the 2024-25 season with Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League.”
Thursday, December 25th:
David Tomasek is reportedly heading back to Europe, according to a report from Varmsland Folkblad. While the Edmonton Oilers have not confirmed the story, in an article titled, “Tomásek flies to Europe – formalities before FBK return are complete,” it appears his NHL run and time with the Edmonton Oilers is coming to an end.
Tomasek and the Oilers are rumored to have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, clearing the way for him to return to the SHL.
For the Oilers, the move means no trade was required and the team regains the cap space, giving them added flexibility moving forward.
It’s a tough break for Tomasek, who never really got a full opportunity to establish himself. He showed flashes and had a few solid moments, but long-term, he was unlikely to get the opportunity he needed to prove himself in the NHL and earn another contract or a deal with another team in free agency next summer.
A skilled forward, the knock on Tomasek was his skating, which arguably wasn’t where it needed to be in order to be an impact forward in the NHL. It’s hard to see a path where he stuck even in a top-nine role, as the pace just wasn’t quite there.
Tomášek previously played for Färjestad from 2022 to 2024 before making the jump to the NHL. The Oilers signed him to a one-year deal this past summer in the hopes he could play a top-nine role and earn as spot as a reliable offensive threat. GM Stan Bowman recently said that there wasn’t a plan in Edmonton for Tomasek, who’s job on the Oilers was threatened the minute the team signed Jack Roslovic.
More to come…
Next: The Oilers’ Early-Season Mistake That Cost Stuart Skinner His Job
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