Every signing in an NHL organization is significant, especially in the salary cap era, where bad contracts can haunt a team. Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman has made several questionable signings, including a two-year deal for Andrew Mangiapane, a seven-year contract for Trent Frederic, and a trade for goalie Tristan Jarry, who has two years left on a pricey deal.
While each of those deals has faced criticism, there was at least a rational reason behind them. Frederic, Mangiapane, and Jarry had all been productive NHL players in the past and were not too old, giving Bowman a reasonable expectation that they might thrive in Edmonton surrounded by top talent.
The Most Bizarre Signing
However, the one signing that defies logic is the two-year, two-way contract given to 31-year-old goalie Matt Tomkins on July 1, worth $775,000 per year in the NHL and $400,000 in the AHL. At the time, it seemed like a small and uneventful move, but it has since proven to be a disruptive force in the Oilers' goalie development system.
Tomkins was a valuable member of the Bakersfield Condors last season, playing many good games and being an excellent teammate. However, the contract made no sense at the time and makes even less sense now. It disrupted the development of goalies in the farm system last year and threatens to do so again this coming season.
Goalie Issues Persist
Edmonton has well-known and significant goalie issues. Last season, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard were in net, and this year, Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram took over. The main problem with Tomkins is that it is difficult to imagine how Bowman saw him as part of the solution. How could a 31-year-old career AHL backup be expected to step up if Skinner or Pickard failed? And how will Tomkins, soon to be 32, be any more ready next season if Edmonton suddenly needs a goalie?
Missed Opportunities
The question for Bowman is: when he decided to let go of prospect Olivier Rodrigue last June, why did he not bring in a younger, more promising goalie with a real chance to grow and push Skinner and Pickard for playing time? Alternatively, why did he not reserve Bakersfield spots for three promising young goalies—Samuel Jonsson, Nathaniel Day, and Connor Ungar—so they could develop at the highest minor pro level and be ready if needed?
The AHL is a developmental league for young prospects, and most NHL organizations gave their prospect goalies the most games last year. Out of the top 50 AHL goalies, only 10 were over the age of 27. Bowman's decision to sign Tomkins stands out as a puzzling move that could have long-term consequences for the Oilers' future.
