Edmonton – The Edmonton Oilers are facing scrutiny regarding their handling of winger David Tomasek, with team officials acknowledging a lack of a clear plan for the player. This admission casts a shadow over Tomasek's future with the team and raises questions about the Oilers' roster management strategy.

Tomasek, a proven scorer from the SHL, arrived in Edmonton with high expectations, but his role has been limited, averaging under 11 minutes of ice time per game on the fourth line. He's frequently in and out of the lineup, while other players with established NHL resumes continue to hold their positions despite struggling.

"Bowman doesn't feel great about this," and "We don't have a game plan," highlighting the disconnect between the initial vision for Tomasek and his current situation.

The Oilers' recent acquisition of Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins, in exchange for Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak, underscores the team's urgency to improve its performance. While the goaltending change addressed a critical need, it also signals a willingness to make tough decisions, potentially impacting players like Tomasek.

Rumors are circulating that the Oilers are looking to add a top-six winger, especially one who shoots right and can skate and create alongside Connor McDavid. Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres has been mentioned as a potential target, fitting the description of what the Oilers are seeking. The team has also recalled Quinn Hutson from the Bakersfield Condors, suggesting a desire to boost their offense.

The Oilers' depth has improved, but this has inadvertently made Tomasek expendable. General Manager Stan Bowman's honesty about the lack of a defined role for Tomasek suggests he may be traded. Such a trade would likely be a cap dump, yielding a minimal return.

The Oilers' struggles with depth scoring have been a recurring issue. While stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl contribute significantly, the team needs more consistent offense from the rest of the lineup. Several players, including Tomasek, have underperformed expectations.

The Oilers have been working to solidify their roster, recently extending contracts with Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Connor McDavid. These moves demonstrate a commitment to building a competitive team for the long term. However, the situation with Tomasek highlights the challenges of integrating new players and finding the right fit within the team dynamic.