Done deal!!: Oilers Shut Down Contract Talks, Signed 24-25 SHL Scoring Leader Amid Top Star's Departure Confirmed.
Done deal!!: Oilers Shut Down Contract Talks, Signed 24-25 SHL Scoring Leader. The Edmonton Oilers have secured 2024-25 SHL scoring leader David Tomasek on a one-year, $1.2 million contract for the 2025-26 season. This follows their earlier signing of German DEL forward Josh Samanski on Wednesday.
Tomasek arrives in Edmonton after two impressive seasons with Färjestad BK, where he led the SHL in points (57) and assists (33) during the 2023-24 campaign. The 29-year-old has previously played in the KHL, Liiga, and Czech Extraliga and was part of Czechia’s gold-winning squad at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. He also spent time in the OHL during his junior hockey career.
He topped the SHL scoring charts with 24 goals and 33 assists (57 points) in 47 games for Färjestad BK. Over two seasons with the club, he amassed 102 points (49 goals, 53 assists) in 99 games.
With Tomasek’s addition, the Oilers now have 11 forwards under one-way contracts and no pending RFAs at forward. Due to limited cap space after re-signing Evan Bouchard, the team is unlikely to make major moves in free agency, instead focusing on European and college free-agent signings.
Edmonton is banking on these recent acquisitions, along with near-NHL-ready prospects like Matthew Savoie, to compete for roster spots.
Oilers Ink Josh Samanski to Entry-Level Deal for 2025-26
The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Josh Samanski to a two-year entry-level contract starting in the 2025-26 season. A big-bodied center with offensive potential, he is expected to begin his pro career in the AHL next season. Jim Matheson noted that while there’s no guarantee Samanski cracks the NHL roster in the fall, his combination of size and production—40 points in 52 games—makes him an intriguing prospect.
In an official announcement, the Oilers described Samanski, 23, as a dual citizen of Canada and Germany from Erding, Germany. He led the Straubing Tigers in the DEL (Deutsche Eishockey Liga) with 14 goals and 26 assists (40 points) in 2024-25.
Bob Stauffer, host of Oilers Now, revealed that multiple teams were pursuing Samanski. He highlighted the rangy, left-shot center as a promising talent who has made significant strides in recent DEL seasons. This signing aligns with Stauffer’s earlier report that the Oilers were eyeing college and European free agents.
Mark Spector added that Oilers star Leon Draisaitl personally helped recruit Samanski over the phone. Born in Germany, Samanski has Canadian roots—his father, John Samanski, hails from Oshawa, Ontario but built his career in the DEL. The 6’5” forward is expected to attend Oilers training camp but will likely start the year with Bakersfield (AHL).
Samanski has also represented Germany on the international stage, competing in two World Junior Championships, the Deutschland Cup, and most recently, the 2024 Spengler Cup with Straubing.
