The Edmonton Oilers have signed goaltender Matt Tomkins to a two-year, two-way contract, adding depth to their goaltending pool. The deal has an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level. This signing could be a pleasant surprise for the Oilers this season, as Tomkins brings a wealth of experience and a solid track record.
Tomkins, an Edmonton native, is a 31-year-old goaltender who has spent several seasons in the AHL, ECHL, and even in Sweden. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the seventh round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Before turning pro, Tomkins played for the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and then played four seasons at Ohio State University.
Tomkins has a decent amount of experience in the AHL, playing in 91 games with a career record of 38-42-11, a 2.86 goals-against average (GAA), and a .901 save percentage, including four shutouts. Most recently, in the 2024-25 season with the Syracuse Crunch, he recorded a 12-10-5 record with a 2.55 GAA and a .907 save percentage, along with three shutouts.
He also has some NHL experience, making six appearances with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2023-24 season. During that stint, he went 3-2-1 with a 3.33 GAA and an .892 save percentage. Although his NHL numbers aren't eye-popping, the experience of playing at the highest level can be valuable.
One of the most notable highlights of Tomkins' career was representing Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. He played in three games, posting a 2-1-0 record with an impressive 1.01 GAA and a .963 save percentage, including one shutout. His performance at the Olympics demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and against top-tier competition.
Tomkins' journey to the Oilers has been a winding one. After being drafted by the Blackhawks, he played in the AHL and ECHL before taking his career to Sweden. He had strong seasons in Sweden, posting a .908 save percentage in 33 games with Frolunda HC in 2021-22 and a .911 save percentage with Farjestads BK Karlstad in 2022-23. These performances, combined with his Olympic showing, earned him a contract with the Lightning in 2023.
With the Oilers, Tomkins is expected to provide depth in the system and likely start with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. He could be a reliable option if injuries or other circumstances necessitate a call-up to the NHL. His two-way contract means he'll earn $775,000 if he's with the Oilers and $400,000 if he's in the AHL.
While he may not be a household name, Tomkins has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Oilers. His experience, solid AHL numbers, and international success suggest that he could be a capable backup or spot starter if called upon. For a team looking to solidify its goaltending depth, Matt Tomkins could indeed be a nice surprise this season.
