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Oilers Agree to Mutual Contract Termination With David Tomasek

On Friday (Dec. 26) morning, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they will be placing forward David Tomasek on waivers for the purpose of a mutual contract termination.

Tomasek, who is 29 years old, scored three goals and added two assists for five points through 22 games with the Oilers this season. Giving himself a shot in the NHL at the age of 29 was an impressive story, but he wasn’t able to break through as a top-nine forward during his time with them.

The belief is that Tomasek will return to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he played previously, with Färjestad BK. Last season with Färjestad, Tomasek scored 24 goals and added 33 assists for 57 points through 47 games, maintaining over a point-per-game average.

The Czech-born forward is hoping to earn a spot on Team Czechia for the upcoming Olympic tournament in early 2026, so getting some more playing time will help him get a fair opportunity to earn that.

There was some speculation leading up to this announcement that some other NHL teams had interest in Tomasek, but it seems as though he is more interested in returning to the SHL.

The Oilers will earn Tomasek’s full contract, $1.2 million, in salary cap relief, since he is agreeing to walk away from it. As the 2026 Trade Deadline approaches, and with the Oilers needing to activate some players off of injured reserve soon, having some extra flexibility won’t hurt them moving forward.

As the 2025-26 season moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.

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Jesse Courville-Lynch

Jesse Courville-Lynch

Jesse has been a writer for over four years, starting with The Hockey Writers back in January of 2023. While previously holding credentials for the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings, he primarily covers his hometown Edmonton Oilers, while also being an at-large writer. Away from writing, he is a hockey coach, currently serving as the Assistant Coach of the PAC U17AAA Saints. Jesse has obtained a freelance and sports writing diploma with distinction from the London School of Journalism, while also pursuing a business administration diploma from NAIT.

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