Edmonton Oilers forward David Tomasek. Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Oilers’ new arrival surprisingly surfaces in trade rumors

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 2:12 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers’ roster is generating plenty of trade buzz this week, and one name in particular is raising eyebrows: David Tomasek. His name was brought up in a list of potential trade pieces the Oilers might look to move as the roster returns to full health. It’s surprising, if for no other reason, that the Oilers just recently signed him.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period noted that alongside familiar names like Mattias Janmark, Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher, Tomasek has been mentioned as a player who could be moved to free up cap space. The other three names make some sense, given that there isn’t room for everyone and the Oilers see other players as potentially higher on the depth chart than all three. In Tomasek’s case, the team just signed him as a UFA over the summer and has been giving him looks in different situations. He’s not been a regular in the lineup, but he got power play time and top-nine minutes for several games.

The only real explanation for Tomasek’s name appearing in the trade rumor mill is that he’s lost out his power play time to Jack Roslovic. Roslovic was also recently signed and has immediately clicked on the team’s top power play unit. He’s finishing the chances he’s getting, whereas Tomasek was getting several looks but not scoring.

As the Oilers try to clear cap space, Tomasek and his $1.2M salary might be movable.

Why don’t the Oilers put David Tomasek in the AHL?

One option the Oilers might look at, versus a trade, is demoting Tomasek. Because he’s a first-year player, he’s waiver-exempt. That means Edmonton could assign him to Bakersfield in the AHL and get his cap hit off their main roster, without losing the player or exposing him to 31 other NHL teams.

As the next week unfolds, the Oilers are clearly looking at ways to manage cap flexibility while bringing back players and getting under the 23-man roster limit. Whether Tomasek is ultimately moved or stays will be an intriguing storyline to watch. Edmonton had high hopes for him, but he has not produced as the team might have liked. As a pending UFA, are the Oilers already at a point where they’re pivoting on the player?

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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