A second signing comes the day after Bob Stauffer suggested the Edmonton Oilers would be pursuing European free agents to bolster the team’s depth.
Shortly after the signing of Josh Samanski, the Oilers announced that Czech forward David Tomasek has been signed to a one-year contract worth $1.2M for the 2025–26 season.
Tomasek, 29, has played the past two seasons with Farjestad BK in the SHL. He was the league’s leading scorer in the 2024–25 season with 24 goals and 57 points in 47 games.
David Tomasek career to date
Tomasek, born in the then Czech Republic, spent most of his developmental years in North America. He played four years in the United States before joining the Belleville Bulls of the OHL for two seasons.
Since then, he has spent his professional career across Europe, where he has played in Czechia for the most part, the Finnish Liiga, part of one season in the KHL, and most recently in the SHL.
Tomasek has also represented Czechia internationally on multiple occasions, including four points in 10 games at the 2024 World Championship.
What to expect from David Tomasek
Tomasek is best known as a scoring forward. Although he is usually a centre, he can also play right wing. This is where he fits best in the Oilers’ lineup.
He has been one of the best scoring forwards in most of the leagues he has played in, utilizing a strong shot and offensive instincts to drive his play.
With his experience in North America coming over a decade ago, the likely place for Tomasek to, at least, start next season is in a big role with the Bakersfield Condors.
However, with wing depth in the NHL being a concern for the Oilers, a strong showing in training camp could get him onto the third line quickly. Maybe even in a top six role as the search for wingers for Leon Draisaitl continues on.
