The Edmonton Oilers have made a calculated move by signing David Tomasek, a talented forward from the Swedish Hockey League, to a one-year, one-way deal worth $1.2 million. While Tomasek might not be a household name for NHL fans, those who’ve followed European hockey know he’s a skilled playmaker with an impressive track record overseas.
How Will David Tomasek Fit Into the Edmonton Oilers’ Lineup?
Former Oilers goalie Mike Zanier believes Tomasek will play an important role with the team, possibly slotting into the top nine forwards.
“I can’t see him being a fourth-liner. He’s not a checking type,” Zanier said. “Offensively, Tomasek was in a league of his own during his time in Sweden. Very slick and skilled. How that translates to the NHL will be interesting to see.”
That assessment makes perfect sense when you consider Tomasek’s background. His journey to the NHL is far from typical. He’s 29 years old and has never played a single professional game in North America.
Instead, he’s spent his career playing in his home country of the Czech Republic, as well as in Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In Sweden, he stood out as a top scorer, showing creativity and vision that made him a dangerous offensive weapon.
However, Tomasek does have some North American experience. He played junior hockey in Belleville for then-Oilers head coach George Burnett and spent time as a youth player in Michigan, where he skated alongside current Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield.
The Oilers believe Tomasek’s offensive talent can translate to the NHL. At 6’2″ and 187 pounds and a right-shot center/winger, he brings size, versatility, and a pass-first mindset that could create opportunities throughout their lineup. The team didn’t bring him over to play on the fourth line – they expect him to contribute in a more significant role.
What Are the Risks and Rewards of This Signing?
Still, there’s some risk involved. History has shown that bringing over older European players doesn’t always work out. Tomasek’s former teammate Joakim Nygard, for example, struggled to stay healthy and couldn’t establish himself in Edmonton. But unlike Nygard, Tomasek arrives with a strong resume and a deal that shows the team’s confidence in him.
One thing to keep an eye on is Tomasek’s playoff performance. While he’s been outstanding in the SHL regular season, that success hasn’t fully carried over to the playoffs. In his two seasons with Farjestads, he only played 10 playoff games, collecting three points. However, these are small sample sizes and not necessarily a sign that he can’t perform under pressure.
Training camp will be Tomasek’s big test. If he adapts quickly to the NHL’s pace and physicality, he could be a key secondary scorer for the Oilers this season. The organization seems committed to giving him a real shot, and fans should watch closely to see if his European success can become an NHL reality.