Edmonton Oilers’ bold offseason goaltending overhaul—signing not one, but two former Maple Leafs goalies:
—
🧊 What happened?
On July 1, 2025, the Oilers announced they’ve signed Matt Tomkins to a two-year, two-way contract worth around US $775K per year—with $775K at the NHL level and $400K in the minors . What makes this news so surprising is that Tomkins played his NHL hockey last with Toronto—including 6 games with the Maple Leafs organization. Essentially, Edmonton added a former Leaf goalie to their depth chart.
—
🧤 Meet Matt Tomkins: From Maple Leafs to Oilers
Draft & Early career: Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks in 2012; spent most of his time in AHL and overseas before making NHL appearances with Tampa Bay in 2023–24 .
AHL performance: In 2024–25, he notched a respectable 12–10–5 record, 2.55 GAA, .907 SV%, and three shutouts with Syracuse .
NHL experience: His 6 NHL games (3–2–1, .892 SV%) were enough to get noticed, and he even backstopped Canada at the 2022 Olympics, posting a 1.01 GAA, a .963 SV%, and one shutout .
Although Tomkins likely heads to the AHL as depth for the Bakersfield Condors, his contract gives Edmonton flexibility—they have a homegrown leaf goalie ready if Skinner or Pickard falter.
—
🔍 Why this matters: Goaltending was the Oilers’ Achilles heel
Inconsistency in the Crease
Stuart Skinner posted a solid regular season, but in back-to-back Stanley Cup Final runs, his numbers dipped: in 2024–25, he went 7–7 with a 2.99 GAA and .889 SV%, while backup Calvin Pickard was 7–1, 2.85 GAA, .886 SV% .
NHL analyst Ray Ferraro warned the Oilers can’t go forward with the same goaltending setup, citing the need for upgrades—particularly pointing to names like Jake Allen or John Gibson .
Cap/Performance Realities
High-end free-agent goalies like Gibson were expensive and likely beyond the Oilers’ cap space .
Instead, the Oilers bet on internal depth (Pickard, Skinner) and Tomkins as insurance, with possible additions coming mid-season via trade .
—
🧠 Strategic outlook: What Edmonton is building
1. Depth & Insurance Policy
Tomkins gives them a “Plan C” goalie who can step up in case of injuries or poor form. As a two-way contract, it minimizes risk and cap impact.
2. Internal Competition
Calvin Pickard will continue as backup behind Skinner, but the addition of Tomkins complicates that. While Pickard outperformed expectations in the playoffs, analysts note he wasn’t ready to be a full-time NHL playoff performer .
3. Flexibility for Move Later
Rather than overpay now, Edmonton can monitor and possibly make a trade if goalies like Mackenzie Blackwood hit the market. GM Stan Bowman has shown he’s patient but proactive .
—
🏒 So, where do the former Maple Leafs fit in?
Even though Tomkins only briefly played for Toronto, the headline is loudly grabbing “two Maple Leafs goalies” due to his most recent NHL affiliation. The second Leafs goalie isn’t official — Jake Allen was widely speculated as a target, but and no deal materialized yet . Still, mention of Allen illustrates that Edmonton is serious about upgrading.
—
🔎 How fans and analysts are reacting
On r/hockey, one user joked:
> “Matt ‘the Answer’ Tomkins … LET’S GOOOOO!!! My GOAT … STANLEY CUP INCOMING”
Reactions range from excitement to skepticism: can depth goalies meaningfully contribute?
Analysts say existing tandem hasn’t cut it in Stanley Cup Finals—so “stay the course” or “make a move” remain active debates .
—
📈 What’s next for Edmonton’s netminding?
1. Opening the season: Expect Skinner as starter, with Pickard and Tomkins battling for backup/AHL roles.
2. Early-season reviews: If Pelle’s or Skinner’s form dips, look for a mid-season trade for a veteran like