New Oilers forward David Tomasek opens up about joining Edmonton
Photo credit: Daily Hive
The Edmonton Oilers signed the highest-profile European Free Agent this offseason with David Tomasek, who is expected to make the NHL team this season.
The 29 year old Czech centreman led the Swedish league in scoring last year and has put together an impressive 10 year career in Europe. The Oilers have had their eyes on him for a while, and have finally brought him over.
David Tomasek reveals Oilers had spoken to him for over a year, why he picked Edmonton
Tomasek had been in contact with the Oilers for some time now, and was intrigued by the prospect of playing with the best 2 players in the NHL - so the decision to sign with Edmonton appeared relatively easy.
In a new interview with Jason Gregor of OilersNation, Tomasek spoke at length about joining the Oilers and his expected role on the team this season.
I would say that it was maybe the personal contact with Stan Bowman and the team, we've been in touch for some time now, not just last year. They also came down to Sweden and wanted to introduce themselves, and we had a good chat about it. And I liked the idea about the team having a chance to skate with Leon and Connor, also is a great motivation to be around these best players, I would say, in the league.
- David Tomasek
- David Tomasek
He's had great success the last few years in European Pro Hockey, but understands that the NHL will be a much different game.
In the SHL Tomasek was playing top-six minutes with powerplay time, but already knows that those opportunities may not be available with the Oilers. Physical play isn't exactly prominent in Sweden either, but Tomasek is looking to add it to his game.
I think it really depends on how the next weeks are going to be and what role I'm going to get or I'm able to fight for. When I was put in a role where I had to defend, I could do it and when I was in the top two-line role, I could produce. My style depends on what role I'm given.
If Tomasek can become a versatile two-way player with offensive skill for the Oilers, it would be an incredible fit. As a right shot centreman too, he fulfills a position of need for Edmonton. He's confident that he'll be able to make the team and be an impact player - now he just needs to prove it.
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