The Edmonton Oilers have initiated a significant roster move, placing forward David Tomasek on unconditional waivers. The purpose of this action is to terminate the player's contract, the team announced on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Details of the Roster Move
The announcement was made public at 2:40 PM Eastern Standard Time. Placing a player on unconditional waivers is the required procedural step before a National Hockey League team can mutually agree to end a player's contract. This process gives all other clubs in the league a 24-hour window to potentially claim the player and his existing contract. Should Tomasek clear waivers unclaimed, his contract with the Oilers will be officially terminated, making him an unrestricted free agent.
David Tomasek, who wore jersey number 86 for Edmonton, joined the Oilers organization earlier in the 2025 season. A notable moment from his brief tenure was captured in a game against the Vancouver Canucks on October 26, 2025. Photographer Ethan Cairns of The Canadian Press documented Tomasek battling for the puck with Canucks' Victor Mancini during the first period of that contest in Vancouver.
Context and Potential Implications
While the specific reasons for the mutual decision to part ways were not disclosed in the official announcement, such moves often stem from a player's desire for more opportunity or a team's need for roster flexibility. For Tomasek, this development could open a path to sign with another NHL franchise, pursue opportunities in a European league, or continue his career in the American Hockey League.
For the Oilers, this transaction clears a contract slot and potentially some salary cap space, depending on the structure of the now-terminated deal. This flexibility could be used to call up a player from their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, or to facilitate another signing as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead for the Oilers
The Oilers' decision regarding Tomasek comes as the NHL season moves past the holiday break and teams begin to evaluate their lineups for the second half of the schedule and the push toward the playoffs. Roster management becomes increasingly critical during this period. The termination process, once completed, will officially conclude David Tomasek's chapter with the Edmonton Oilers, allowing both parties to move forward in their respective directions for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
