David Tomasek’s recent stint with the Edmonton Oilers seemed to be a promising experiment considering his successful career in European hockey. After dominating the Swedish Hockey League, where he led in points during the 2024-25 season, Tomasek made the leap to the NHL at age 29, seeking new challenges. However, the journey proved to be less fruitful than anticipated, ending with his return to Färjestad BK, one of the top European leagues, once NHL waivers are cleared following the holiday roster freeze.
When Oilers general manager Stan Bowman sought European talent in 2025, Tomasek stood out among free agents due to his impressive track record. Despite his talents, including a capable shot that allowed him to effectively play on the power play, he struggled to leave a significant mark in the NHL. His time on the power play yielded two assists but no goals, highlighting a broader issue of missed opportunities during gripping moments within games.
A critical factor contributing to his lack of success was limited ice time alongside top players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He logged merely 28 minutes with McDavid and 12 with Draisaitl at even strength, which is minimal for a player looking to make an impact. The situation turned dire when he lost playing time to teammates who were performing better, particularly after Jack Roslovic’s scoring streak. Tomasek found himself increasingly on the sidelines, becoming a healthy scratch multiple times in the latter part of his tenure.
Had Tomasek been placed in a different environment, particularly on a rebuilding team where he could thrive as a centre/winger, his skill set may have yielded different results. His unique ability as a right-handed player facing off might have added value, yet his overall effectiveness diminished as his role within the team shrank.
The ripple effects of Tomasek’s signing extended beyond his performance. If executed earlier, his signing could have alleviated roster pressure, possibly preventing Troy Stecher from being placed on waivers and maintaining the team’s depth. This situation left the Oilers with limited options heading into the trade deadline. Nonetheless, there are optimistic markers for the team as they welcomed a new goaltending pair—Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram—who have demonstrated their capability by winning their first five games together.
Looking ahead, the Oilers’ plans for the remainder of the season involve focusing on established talents, including Hyman, Roslovic, and rookie Matt Savoie, who have excelled on the power play. While Tomasek’s return to Europe may be disappointing, it serves as a reminder that not every player adjusts seamlessly to the NHL. His experience reflects the difficulty elite European players face when transitioning to North America in their late 20s, where success is generally reserved for those making the jump in their mid-20s.
Despite the challenges, Tomasek retains the potential to make another attempt at the NHL in the future, given his size, skill set, and resilience. While this chapter with the Oilers may be closed, hope remains that his time in Europe will continue to hone his abilities, possibly leading to another opportunity in the NHL down the line. This journey, while fraught with challenges, also highlights the ongoing evolution and competitiveness within professional hockey.