Tomkins savours Oilers debut after long road back to NHL
The Edmonton native returned to NHL action for the first time since April 2024 and helped his hometown club win at Madison Square Garden.
Matt Tomkins returned to the NHL with a victory for the team he supported as a child, helping the Edmonton Oilers beat the New York Rangers 4-1 on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
The 32-year-old Edmonton native had not appeared in an NHL game since April 17, 2024, with Tampa Bay. He told the Oilers’ website that he had wondered whether another opportunity would come.
“It’s been a long road, for sure,” Tomkins said. “It’s taken me a lot of different places.”
His route included Ohio State, the Indy Fuel, Rockford, Sweden and the Lightning before he signed with Edmonton in 2025. He spent last season with Bakersfield in the AHL.
An injury to Devon Levi created an opening for Tomkins to accompany the Oilers on their New York trip. Having skated with Edmonton players during the summer, he was ready when called on for the second game of a weekend back-to-back.
Connor McDavid praised the work Tomkins had put in during the offseason and said he was happy to see him get the opportunity. Coach Mike Babcock credited the goalie with keeping Edmonton in control when the Rangers pressed in the second period.
For Tomkins, the chance to contribute for his hometown team made the return especially meaningful. He said he had enjoyed the different stops along his career and the chance to reflect on the journey.
