How the Oilers Can Use New Cap Flexibility After Tomášek’s Exit

The Edmonton Oilers didn’t uncover a financial windfall when David Tomasek’s contract was terminated, but the move still matters. The $1.2 million in cap relief—bringing Edmonton’s available space to about $1.03 million—wasn’t designed to add talent immediately. Instead, it was about flexibility. Flexibility to activate returning players, remain cap compliant, and keep future options open without forcing a panic move.

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This was a housekeeping decision, not a headline-grabber. But in a tight cap environment, even marginal space can be the difference between being stuck and being opportunistic.

Short-Term Flexibility Over Splashy Additions

The primary motivation behind the Tomasek termination was creating room for Jake Walman’s return. Walman’s pending activation solidifies the blue line, but it also will trigger a cascade of roster decisions. To make the math work, the Oilers are expected to place Calvin Pickard and Max Jones on waivers, while Noah Philp has already been waived. On defense, Riley Stillman appears likely to be sent down once Walman and Tristan Jarry are fully activated. Once Connor Clattenburg comes off LTIR, the assumption is that he will also be sent down, leaving the Oilers with 13 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies.

These are depth-level decisions driven purely by cap necessity. The Oilers aren’t getting better from these moves, but they are staying afloat. And right now, that matters.

Why the Real Cap Solution Still Lies in Moving Salary

Assuming all these moves take place, the Oilers will be left with roughly $1.35 million available. Edmonton cannot realistically add a difference-maker without money going out. That brings the focus to underperforming contracts—namely, Adam Henrique and Andrew Mangiapane. Henrique’s trade protection complicates matters, as does Mangiapane’s; however, he stands out as a movable piece whose cap hit could be repurposed into something more impactful.

If the Oilers can move one of those deals, the Tomasek space becomes a bridge rather than the solution itself. That’s when real trade targets come into play.

What External Options Might the Oilers Pursue

Kiefer Sherwood

A realistic, under-the-radar option is Kiefer Sherwood, a player who brings speed, forechecking pressure, and honest five-on-five impact. Sherwood fits the Oilers’ need for a winger who can keep pace with skilled linemates while doing the dirty work. A potential deal could see Edmonton move a mid-round pick for Sherwood, which will result in Mattias Janmark being the odd one out in a separate trade.

Charlie Coyle

If the Oilers want size, versatility, and playoff reliability, Charlie Coyle makes sense. Coyle can play center or wing and handle tough minutes—something Edmonton lacks beyond its top players. A realistic proposal could involve Henrique, a second-round pick, and a conditional late-rounder with retention. Columbus would get experience and flexibility, while Edmonton gets a proven postseason performer.

Alex Tuch

A more aggressive swing would involve Alex Tuch, a true top-six power winger who drives play and scores at even strength. This would require creativity and assets. A proposal could center around Mangiapane, a first-round pick, and a mid-tier prospect, with Buffalo retaining salary. It’s costly, but Tuch is the type of player who changes a playoff series. It would mostly depend on Mangiapane’s willingness to waive his No-Trade Clause to play for the Sabres.

Jared McCann

Perhaps the cleanest stylistic fit is Jared McCann, a versatile scorer who can play center or wing and finish chances created by elite playmakers. A deal could involve Henrique, a second-round pick, and a prospect, again requiring retention. McCann’s ability to produce without heavy power-play usage makes him especially appealing.

In the end, the Tomasek termination wasn’t about spending $1.20 million. It was about creating just enough flexibility to pursue a bigger move. For the Oilers, the path forward is clear: turn underperforming salary into real impact—or risk letting another playoff window quietly close.

Next: Oilers Taking Risk, Put Surprising Forward on Waivers