General manager Stan Bowman has had a busy few months.
At this year’s NHL trade deadline, he brought in key upgrades like Trent Frederic and Jake Walman. But Bowman didn’t stop there. He also took his scouting team overseas to explore Europe’s talent pool. Historically, Europe hasn’t been a major talent pipeline for Edmonton. For Bowman, however, it’s been fertile ground.
Over the past month, Edmonton signed three European players (not counting Samuel Jonsson, their fifth-round pick from 2022). Josh Samaneski and Atro Lappenan will likely start with the Bakersfield Condors, aiming to develop there before pushing for NHL roster spots.
The third signing, David Tomasek, has a clearer path to becoming a regular NHL contributor. At 29 years old, Tomasek turned pro in 2016. He has played professionally across Czechia, Finland, and most recently Sweden, where he posted an impressive 24 goals and 55 points in just 47 games. He also represented Czechia twice at the World Championships, totalling eight points across 17 games.
“It’s not an easy league to produce in [the SHL],” said Daily Faceoff Prospect analyst Steven Ellis on Oilersnation Everyday. “Being a point-per-game player in most European leagues is tough to do. Scoring just isn’t as high in those leagues. I really liked watching him last year at the World Championship. This is someone who was playing top line for the Czechs until David Pasternak arrived.”“He’s good at faceoffs, but I wonder if he’ll be put on the wing in the NHL,” continued Ellis. “He can play a role on the penalty kill. Also, I think he’s capable of playing with high-end talent. You’re looking at a guy who, at best, is fitting in on your third line, but he can step up higher in the lineup. I do think he should be a full-time NHL player next year.”
Ellis added insights about Tomasek’s NHL fit: “He’s strong on faceoffs, but I wonder if he’ll shift to wing in the NHL. He can contribute on the penalty kill and play alongside skilled teammates. At best, he’s probably a solid third-line option who can occasionally step up. I believe he’ll be a full-time NHL player next year.”
For much of this season, the Oilers have needed greater depth production from their bottom-six forwards. While playoff performances could change the narrative, Tomasek certainly adds healthy competition and scoring potential to Edmonton’s forward group.
For much of this season, the Oilers have needed greater depth production from their bottom-six forwards. While playoff performances could change the narrative, Tomasek certainly adds healthy competition and scoring potential to Edmonton’s forward group.
Expect Tomasek to compete for a fourth-line spot in training camp alongside players like Noah Philp and Max Jones. Matthew Savoie will also be pushing for a role, making next spring’s camp exciting (and busy) for head coach Kris Knoblauch and his staff.
