The Edmonton Oilers are maneuvering to create cap space for the 2025-26 season, with a focus on integrating forward David Tomasek into the lineup. To accommodate Tomasek, the Oilers have already made some moves this offseason and may need to make additional trades to clear sufficient space.
The Salary Cap Situation
As of late June 2025, the Oilers have very limited cap space, with projections estimating around $225,834 in available space. The team has an active roster of 23 players and a total of 46 players under contract, with a projected cap hit of $95,274,166. Several factors influence this tight cap situation:
The Tomasek Factor
David Tomasek, a Czech forward who led the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) in scoring, is considered a "wild card" for the Oilers. The Oilers are unsure how his game will translate to the NHL. To make room for Tomasek, the Oilers might need to trade another forward. Mattias Janmark is one player who might be traded to create space for Tomasek. Janmark contributes defensively and on the penalty kill, but his offensive production has declined. Tomasek could potentially replace Janmark on faceoffs, an area where the Oilers have struggled.
Other Potential Moves
In addition to potentially trading Janmark, the Oilers are reportedly looking to trade Viktor Arvidsson to free up further cap space. Arvidsson has a $4 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season. Although he has a full no-move clause, he is willing to waive it if a trade benefits both him and the Oilers.
Overall Strategy
The Oilers' moves indicate a strategy to balance retaining key players, adding new talent, and managing the salary cap. Clearing cap space is essential to accommodate rising salaries of stars like Draisaitl and Bouchard. Integrating Tomasek into the lineup could provide a new offensive dimension, but it requires careful cap management. The team also aims to improve its depth and address needs in goal tending and younger forwards.
