David Tomasek Might Be the Oilers’ New Weapon
With Zach Hyman out of the lineup for a while, Edmonton Oilers fans are left wondering who could step up alongside Connor McDavid. Playing with McDavid isn’t just about skill—it’s about anticipation, hockey sense, and knowing exactly where the captain wants the puck before he even moves. It’s a rare talent, and every once in a while, a name pops onto the radar. This season, that name might be David Tomasek.
The 29-year-old Czech forward agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Edmonton for 2025–26. Tomasek has spent the past couple of seasons in Sweden with Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), putting up 49 goals and 53 assists in 99 games—a remarkable pace that shows he can produce consistently. He’s also played in various European leagues, giving him experience against top-level competition.
So Far, so Good with Tomasek and the Oilers
So far, so good with Tomasek. The Czech winger has
What’s striking about Tomasek isn’t just his 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame or his hands with the puck; it’s how he thinks the game. He seems to know where to be on the ice and makes small, smart choices in a blink. That kind of hockey sense doesn’t come overnight, especially stepping into the NHL.
He’s played in a lot of top leagues across Europe: the Czech Extraliga, Finland’s SM-liiga, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and Sweden’s SHL. In every league, he has demonstrated his ability to handle skilled competition while maintaining his production.
Even in the tough KHL, he collected 21 points in 47 games. Across all that time, you can see a pattern: He scores, he sets up teammates, and he makes smart plays that often don’t show up on the highlight reel, but they matter a lot.
Why Tomasek Might Click With McDavid
Tomasek uses his body well. He’s strong on the boards, wins puck battles, and positions himself in front of the net so McDavid and others can get shots through. On the power play, he finds the open spots, tips pucks, and makes life easier for his line mates. At the same time, he’s disciplined. His stick work is clean, he breaks up plays when he needs to, and he doesn’t get caught overcommitting. He plays with the kind of reliability coaches love, even if it doesn’t make you jump out of your seat on TV.
The long-term question is whether the Czech forward can become a regular linemate with McDavid. So far, early signs are encouraging. Tomasek knows how to support without getting in the way. He drives hard to the net, takes up space that frees McDavid, and knows when to be aggressive versus when to hang back. He’s not flashy, but he makes McDavid’s brilliance even more effective.
In practice and his first few games, he’s shown he can adjust to the NHL pace and style. He’s asking questions, learning tendencies, and fitting his game to what the captain needs rather than forcing his own style. That’s maturity and hockey sense rolled into one.
What Oilers Fans Should Watch for With Tomasek
For Oilers fans, Tomasek isn’t going to light up the scoresheet every night. What he will do is all the little things right: winning battles along the boards, reading defenders, getting to the net at the right moment, and keeping the puck moving in tight spaces. That kind of play quietly makes a line tick—and with McDavid on it, it could make a big difference in how dangerous the top line is all season.
If he keeps adjusting well, Tomasek could quickly become more than a rookie finding his feet. He could be a steady, reliable piece of McDavid’s supporting cast, the kind of player who doesn’t need the spotlight but helps the Oilers win games night after night.
LeBron, Bronny James, 3 More Out as Lakers Finish Preseason
The Los Angeles Lakers will have their final tune-up before the regular season when they face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night — a de facto dress rehearsal for JJ Redick’s new-look roster as they prepare for next week’s season opener.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, nearly the entire Lakers roster will be available except for LeBron James (sciatica), Bronny James (ankle), rookie Adou Thiero (knee), and training camp invitees Chris Mañon (ankle) and Augustus Marčiulionis (foot).
James, who turns 41 in December, will miss the start of the season and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, according to
“The Lakers and LeBron are looking at around mid-November as a realistic debut for him,” Charania said on NBA Countdown before the Lakers’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. “A source told me [Wednesday night], LeBron will be taking a patient approach with his rehab.”
LeBron’s Absence Creates Early-Season Uncertainty
But while James is sidelined, his absence has left the team searching for rhythm after an uneven preseason.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,”
McMenamin’s remarks, combined with the Lakers’ 1-4 preseason record, have rekindled speculation about James’ future in Los Angeles, especially as he enters the final year of his $52.6 million expiring contract.
Trade Buzz Resurfaces Amid Injury and Uncertainty
According to Bovada, the Dallas Mavericks are the betting favorites to acquire James before the February 2026 NBA trade deadline, listed at -120 odds. Trailing far behind are the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350), Golden State Warriors (+450), and New York Knicks (+550). James’ former team, the Miami Heat, are tied with the Phoenix Suns at +900.
The Lakers have already shifted their long-term focus, handing Luka Dončić a three-year, $165 million extension this offseason to make him the franchise cornerstone for the future.
Dončić Era Takes Shape as Lakers Struggle for Rhythm
Los Angeles enters Friday’s finale with a 1-4 preseason record, with Dončić appearing in just one game after leading Slovenia to the EuroBasket quarterfinals. Friday’s matchup will mark only his second preseason outing ahead of next week’s season opener against the Warriors.
“This is his team now,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on Friday’s NBA Today. “Until LeBron comes back, he’s got the ball in his hand. The Lakers are his future, his present. They’ve got to step up collectively and learn how to play with Luka.”
Shelburne added that Dončić still needs time to build chemistry with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart, all key offseason additions aimed at giving the Lakers more versatility and toughness.
JJ Redick Plans for LeBron and Non-LeBron Lineups
With James sidelined, first-year head coach JJ Redick has been experimenting with rotations that prepare the team to play both with and without their veteran leader.
“Yeah, that’s something that’s certainly crossed my mind in the last couple of days,” Redick told reporters last week when asked about developing separate ‘LeBron’ and ‘non-LeBron’ units.
The Lakers’ preseason finale will offer a final look at those lineups — and perhaps a glimpse into how Los Angeles might look in a post-LeBron era.
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