Several roster spots up for grabs by Oilers' prospects in 2025-26 season
Photo credit: Imagn Images
David Tomasek is expected to be a top-nine forward for the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025-26 season, likely playing on either the third, or fourth line.
After leading the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) in points, the Oilers signed the skilled center to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, indicating they trust him to jump directly into their NHL lineup. His offensive talent, strong playmaking ability, and reliable defensive play suggest a role in the top-nine.
Granted, European hockey in not the NHL, but it is professional hockey nonetheless, and often translates at the North American level.
"[SHL is] not an easy league to produce in,» said Daily Faceoff analyst Steven Ellis on OilersNation Everyday regarding Tomasek's production rate. «Point-per-game, in most European leagues, that's tough to do. Scoring just isn't as high there.»
Last year in the SHL, Tomasek ranked 3rd in goals (24), 1st in assists (33), and 1st in points (57). He was also 2nd in faceoff wins with 58% efficiency, and 2nd at 5v5 points (34).
David is clearly offensively gifted, and can make a significant contribution to Oilers' scoring depth. He is a versatile forward, and ranked 1st not only 5v5, but on the powerplay and TOI per game.
David Tomasek's ability to play both center and wing help his chances of securing a roster spot, where he will compete at centre with Adam Henrique, Noah Philp, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, if Kris Knoblauch decides to play him at 3C.
On the right-wing, he will likely compete with Matthew Savoie, Kasperi Kapanen, Curtis Lazar, and though Trent Frederic and Vasily Podkolzin primarily play on the LW, they can also play the RW.
With Oilers' training camp set to begin in a few weeks, players are preparing to stand-out for head coach Kris Knoblauch, and with the high-number of players that have exited the club this offseason, competition will be fierce.
TRENDING NOW
