The Edmonton Oilers have announced a significant roster change ahead of their Saturday clash against the Toronto Maple Leafs, placing goaltender Devon Levi on injured reserve. The move comes as the team manages ongoing injury concerns within their goaltending corps.
To address the vacancy, the Oilers have recalled veteran goaltender Matt Tomkins from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. The call-up was executed under emergency conditions, providing the team with necessary depth in the crease.
Tomkins, a 32-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, brings a wealth of experience to the NHL roster. Standing 6'4", the goaltender has spent years refining his craft across various leagues, including stints in the AHL, ECHL, and professional hockey in Sweden.
Originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the seventh round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Tomkins has navigated a long path to the top tier of professional hockey. His career includes a notable appearance for Team Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
During his Olympic tenure, Tomkins demonstrated his capability on the international stage, recording a 2-1 record with an impressive .963 save percentage. He also gained NHL experience during the 2023-24 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In his six appearances for Tampa Bay, Tomkins posted a 3-2-1 record with an .892 save percentage. He joined the Oilers organization in July 2025 on a two-year, two-way contract and has since been a reliable presence for the Bakersfield Condors.
Last season, Tomkins appeared in 42 games for Bakersfield, continuing to prove his readiness for higher-level competition. He has already featured in three games for the Condors during the current 2026-27 campaign.
The Oilers have been navigating a busy schedule, recently securing an emotional shootout victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. That match, however, also saw defenseman Mattias Ekholm sustain an injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for at least a week.
The team currently sits in a strong position early in the season, having won seven of their first nine games. Maintaining this momentum remains a priority as the coaching staff adjusts the lineup to compensate for the recent medical setbacks.
Head coach Mike Babcock and his staff are now tasked with integrating Tomkins into the active roster while monitoring the recovery timelines for both Levi and Ekholm. The depth of the organization will be tested as the season progresses.
The Oilers' management remains focused on their goal of contending for the Stanley Cup. With captain Connor McDavid leading the charge, the team is looking to maintain its high performance despite the current challenges in the defensive and goaltending units.
The upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs serves as a crucial test for the Oilers. The matchup also holds personal significance, as it marks the first time Mike Babcock faces his former team since his departure in 2019.
Fans in Edmonton have expressed concern regarding the recent string of injuries, particularly given the high stakes of the current campaign. The organization has prioritized stability in the net to ensure they remain competitive in a challenging division.
Tomkins is widely considered the most NHL-ready option currently available within the Oilers' system. His familiarity with the team's structure, gained through preseason participation, is expected to aid his transition back to the major league level.
The status of Devon Levi remains a focal point for the medical staff. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his return, leaving the goaltending situation in a state of flux for the immediate future.
As the Oilers prepare for their next series of games, the focus shifts to how the defensive unit will perform without Ekholm and how Tomkins will handle the pressure of NHL action. Every point remains vital in the early stages of the season.
The Oilers' front office continues to evaluate all options to bolster the roster. With a competitive landscape in the NHL, the ability to manage injuries effectively is often the difference between a successful season and a missed opportunity.
Looking ahead, the team will aim to build on their recent success against Carolina. The resilience shown by the squad in recent games provides a foundation of confidence as they navigate this period of roster instability.
The organization has maintained a transparent approach regarding player health. By acting quickly to recall Tomkins, the Oilers have ensured that they are not left short-handed during a critical stretch of the schedule.
Further updates regarding the health of the roster are expected from the team as they continue their road trip and prepare for upcoming home fixtures. The focus remains on securing points and maintaining their standing near the top of the league.
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