How much can David Tomášek produce for the Oilers in his first NHL season?
David Tomášek played in the OHL for the Belleville Bulls from 2013 to 2015, and in his final junior season, his team was knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by Andrew Mangiapane’s Barrie Colts. Mangiapane scored twice in the series-clinching game, sending Tomášek and his teammates packing. For Tomášek, it meant literally packing his bags and spending the next decade playing hockey in Europe.
Fast forward almost a decade, and the story comes full circle. Now teammates with Mangiapane on the Edmonton Oilers, Tomášek made his NHL debut last game against the Calgary Flames
Tomášek has also been given a golden opportunity on the Oilers, playing the net-front role on one of the NHL’s most lethal power-play units over the last few years, and it seems that, for the near future, that spot is his to lose. With that in mind, let’s explore a potential point projection for the 29-year-old rookie.
A Look at Tomášek’s Recent Games and PP Chances
Tomášek played in five preseason games, tallying two assists, and while he wasn’t necessarily lights out, the upside was there. He’s big, rangy, and skilled, and one aspect that stood out to me throughout training camp was his soft, veteran touches to keep plays alive. An example of that was his play to bat down the puck and set up
It seems the Oilers’ coaching staff noticed the upside as well. In the last preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks, we saw him take reps with Connor McDavid and company on the first-unit PP, filling the net-front role usually occupied by Zach Hyman, who remains out of the lineup. That said, he makes sense as Hyman’s replacement there — he has size, he’s a right-handed shot, and, as the SHL’s leading scorer last season, he has the instincts and know-how to put the puck in the back of the net.
In that last preseason game, his hard work paid off on the man advantage. He created a disturbance in front of the net, and on one play, just his presence while hanging out in the slot drew a defender to him, opening up a scoring chance that Leon Draisaitl capitalized on.
Fast forward to his first NHL game against the Flames. He mainly played on a line with Isaac Howard and Adam Henrique at 5v5. While that trio didn’t score, according to
On top of that, the former Belleville Bull played 3:37 minutes on the man advantage with the big unit, and once again, he didn’t look out of place. Sporting Nikita Nikitin’s old #86 on the back of his jersey, he was a menace in front of the net again, setting up plays, and nearly scored a couple of times off of tips in front.
Another thing that stood out is that, once again, his presence in the slot posed a threat. On Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ opening goal, he drew Flames’ defenders to him, opening the lane for ‘Nuge’ to receive the puck and bury it.
And to top it off, he cemented his name in future Oilers trivia for the question, “Who got the primary assist on Leon Draisaitl’s 400th NHL goal?” It was Tomášek, of course, who made a nice backhand play to Draisaitl on the man advantage, allowing him to bury his milestone goal, which was also the Prague native’s first NHL point.
Moreover, what was also intriguing was that on the Oilers’ PP opportunity in OT against the Flames, instead of Nugent-Hopkins going out on the ice with the three offensive studs, McDavid, Draisaitl, and
Overall, the fact that Tomášek has been given the PP opportunity, especially in OT, speaks volumes about the confidence the coaches have in him. Having said that,
Tomášek’s Power-Play Usage Reminds Me of Former Oiler Alex Chiasson
The way the 29-year-old is currently being used on the PP, due to his size, offensive instincts, good shot, and a knack for the net, reminds me of the attributes of former Oiler
Chiasson scored a career-high 22 goals and 38 points (15 points on the PP) back in 2018–19 in 73 games, and followed it up with 24 points (13 points on the PP) in 65 games the next season. Realistically, I don’t think Tomášek is cracking the 20-goal plateau (though I’d love to be proven wrong), but I feel he can put up similar points on the PP if he stays in that spot throughout the season. Given that, in the hypothetical situation Tomášek plays in all 82 games and maintains his spot on the PP, I’d feel he’s capable — based on Chiasson as the net-front comparable — of putting up at least 14 points on the man advantage.
Now, what about his 5v5 point production? I feel he’s capable of putting up points at 5v5 similar to what Adam Henrique (17 points at 5v5 last season) and Mattias Janmark
If he puts up, say, 15 points at 5v5 and you add 15 power-play points to the equation, I’d feel a 30-point season (15G, 15A) is attainable for the Prague native, which would replace Corey Perry’s point production from last season.
That said, the NHL season is long and unpredictable. Tomášek could go through a slump or even risk not sticking with the big club. Still, the opportunity in front of him is huge. If he can reach around the 30-point mark and continue posting positive analytics, driving play, and contributing effectively at both ends, the 29-year-old’s signing could turn out to be a real home-run signing.
BREAKING: Michael Jordan shocked basketball and football fans when he announced a $50 million sponsorship deal with Washing Commanders superstar Art Monk, making him the face of the new Air Jordan campaign. The partnership combines strength and leadership, promising to change the way athletes connect with each other across sports. “Great recognizes great; this is not just a deal, it’s a statement,” Art Monk proudly shared…
That single quote perfectly captures the essence of the collaboration: two titans of American sports uniting to inspire a new generation of athletes.
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Who Is Art Monk? A Legacy Beyond the Gridiron
To understand why this announcement has resonated so deeply, one must appreciate Art Monk’s monumental legacy in professional football.
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Monk is one of the most respected wide receivers in NFL history, spending the majority of his career with Washington (then the Redskins).
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He captured
three Super Bowl titles (XVII, XXII, XXVI) and was a multiple-time Pro Bowl selection. -
Monk became one of the first players to redefine the wide receiver position, combining athleticism with intellect and professionalism.
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In recognition of his career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Recently, Syracuse University—where Monk played college football—announced plans to retire his iconic No. 45 jersey
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Additionally, the Washington Commanders organization confirmed that Monk’s No. 81 jersey will soon be retired permanently, ensuring that his name will forever be synonymous with the franchise’s golden era.
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Clearly, Art Monk is not just a retired athlete—he’s a living symbol of discipline, humility, and excellence. Those qualities make him the perfect ambassador for a brand built on greatness.
Why Jordan Chose Monk: A Strategic Masterstroke
Bridging Two Sporting Worlds
Air Jordan has long been synonymous with basketball excellence. Yet, partnering with a football legend like Monk expands the brand’s reach into a broader audience—the passionate fanbase of the NFL.
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This cross-sport alliance symbolizes a cultural bridge: it’s no longer about basketball or football, but about the spirit of competition itself. It’s a strategic move to capture fans who admire resilience, leadership, and legacy—values shared by both Monk and Jordan.
Leadership and Character
Art Monk’s leadership both on and off the field has inspired generations. Known for his quiet confidence and unwavering work ethic, he embodies the same discipline and humility that made Michael Jordan a global icon.
By choosing Monk, Jordan Brand communicates a powerful message:
“Our products are not just for athletes—they are for leaders.”
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It’s an alignment of values, not just marketing goals.
Uniting Two Icons of Excellence
Few collaborations can match this level of prestige. Michael Jordan revolutionized basketball—and the business of sports branding. Art Monk elevated the image of what it means to be a professional athlete in the NFL.
Together, they represent two sides of American greatness: precision and perseverance. The announcement of a $50 million partnership instantly became a viral headline, captivating fans across both NBA and NFL communities.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, this partnership is not without challenges.
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Cultural and Fanbase Divide
The worlds of basketball and football have vastly different cultures, fan expectations, and media ecosystems. The key for Air Jordan will be to integrate both identities without alienating its core basketball audience. -
Skepticism from Loyal Fans
Hardcore Air Jordan enthusiasts might view this expansion as risky—potentially diluting the brand’s basketball heritage. Jordan Brand will need to reassure fans that its core identity remains intact, even as it broadens its horizons. -
Return on Investment (ROI)
A $50 million endorsement deal is massive by any measure. The collaboration must generate both tangible sales and intangible brand value—through merchandise, events, and digital storytelling—to justify the scale of investmentFootball kits
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Media and Image Management
Every move by Jordan and Monk will be under the microscope. Public appearances, campaigns, and interviews must be meticulously managed to maintain authenticity and avoid missteps.
How This Could Change the Game
If executed strategically, the Jordan–Monk partnership could reshape sports marketing in several profound ways:
Cross-Sport Product Lines
Imagine a collection that fuses basketball design with football toughness—“Air Jordan x Art Monk” apparel, sneakers, and performance gear. This would not only appeal to athletes across disciplines but also to lifestyle consumers seeking authenticity.
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Unified Media Campaigns
Expect to see Jordan and Monk in joint commercials broadcast across NBA and NFL platforms. The campaign could highlight perseverance, teamwork, and the shared journey of champions—values that transcend sport.
Fan Engagement Events
Picture a tour where both icons meet fans in major cities like Chicago, Washington, and New York. Live interviews, youth clinics, and motivational talks could create a deeper emotional connection with consumers.
Expanding the Air Jordan Brand Identity
This deal signifies a shift from being “the basketball brand” to becoming a universal symbol of excellence. By partnering with a football legend, Air Jordan reinforces its mission: greatness is not confined to a single court or field—it’s a mindset.
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A Visionary Move for the Future
This partnership could become a blueprint for future sports marketing. By pairing Hall of Famers from different leagues, brands can reach multiple audiences at once—uniting fans rather than dividing them.
Moreover, it demonstrates Jordan Brand’s evolving strategy: honoring legacy while embracing innovation. It’s not just about sneakers; it’s about building bridges between generations and disciplines.
The timing couldn’t be better. As sports increasingly blend entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle, collaborations like this one can redefine the meaning of “influence.”
Final Thoughts
The $50 million endorsement deal between Michael Jordan and Art Monk may go down as one of the most iconic partnerships in sports history. It transcends traditional sponsorship—it’s about legacy, respect, and unity.
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Both men are paragons of integrity and excellence, and together they deliver a powerful message to the world:
“True greatness has no boundaries.”
As the Air Jordan campaign with Art Monk unfolds, fans can expect not just new products—but a new philosophy of athletic greatness, one that connects the basketball court with the football field, and the past with the future.
