The Edmonton Oilers have added a new name to their roster, and he might just become a valuable asset. Czech forward David Tomasek has signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Oilers for the 2025-26 season. The team officially announced the signing on April 2, 2025.
Tomasek, a 29-year-old native of Prague, brings a wealth of international experience to the Oilers. Before joining the NHL, he played in the Czech Extraliga for seven seasons, as well as in Finland, the KHL, and most recently, the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Over the past two seasons with Färjestad BK in the SHL, Tomasek has showcased his offensive capabilities, amassing 49 goals and 53 assists in 99 games. In the 2024-25 SHL season, he led the league in scoring with 57 points (24 goals and 33 assists) in 47 games. He also led the SHL with 25 goals the previous year.
Tomasek's journey to the NHL has been a long time coming. He made his debut in the Czech Extraliga with HC Pardubice during the 2015-16 season. Before turning pro, Tomasek played junior hockey in North America for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies and the Belleville Bulls. His experience in various leagues and his consistent offensive production suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Oilers' forward group.
Described as a right-handed shooting center, Tomasek stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 210 pounds. He has also represented Czechia in international competitions, including the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where he won a gold medal.
While it remains to be seen how Tomasek will fit into the Oilers' lineup, some analysts predict he could fill a role similar to that of Connor Brown or Kasperi Kapanen. During a recent practice, he skated on the fourth line with Curtis Lazar and Adam Henrique, hinting at a potential debut against Calgary. His ability to play both center and wing could provide the Oilers with flexibility in their lineup.
The Oilers' acquisition of Tomasek adds another layer of intrigue to their roster. His scoring record in the SHL speaks for itself, and if he can translate that success to the NHL, he could quickly become a fan favorite in Edmonton. As the Oilers look to build on their recent playoff success, Tomasek could prove to be a valuable weapon in their arsenal.
