Matt Tomkins Shines for Oilers in 7th NHL Start

Matt Tomkins began his path in hockey within Sherwood Park, a community just outside Edmonton. Over time, he minded the net for Ohio State, spent time in minor league hockey with squads like the Rockford IceHogs and Indy Fuel, competed for Swedish clubs Frölunda and Färjestad BK, and served as the primary goaltender for Team Canada during the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games following the late withdrawal of the NHL.

“Without question, it has been an extensive trek,” remarked Tomkins. “It has brought me to numerous locations.”

Shortly after celebrating his 29th birthday, he at long last made his initial appearance in the world’s premier hockey league back in 2023. At age 32, he has rejoined the Oilers—his childhood club—and delivered a brilliant performance on Sunday to help secure their 11th victory across the opening 15 contests of the campaign.

Earning the top star of the night in just his seventh career NHL start—and his first since April 17, 2024—Tomkins turned aside 27 out of 28 pucks thrown his way to triumph over the New York Rangers inside Madison Square Garden.

“He was incredible for our team,” team captain Connor McDavid stated. “He provided us with an opportunity to win… Quite frankly, he was exceptionally reliable: produced every crucial save and kept us in position to win.”

Whether another opportunity like this would present itself was uncertain to Tomkins, particularly playing for the franchise he supported as a child. Throughout the 928-day span following his start in the 2023-24 regular-season finale with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he logged 74 appearances in the AHL split between the Bakersfield Condors and Syracuse Crunch.

“Naturally, slight uncertainty can creep in on a personal level,” Tomkins admitted. “It isn’t about your skill set, but rather whether the opportunity will arise.

Across the entire league, only 64 positions exist at any point, and phenomenal netminders globally compete for those spots daily.”

‘A fantastic guy’

Injuries suffered by netminders Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi, combined with consecutive weekend fixtures, created the opening for Tomkins. Capitalizing on the moment lifted not only his spirits but also delighted his fellow players, who recognized the immense perseverance required for him to arrive here.

I simply focused on appreciating the experience, embracing every moment, and fulfilling my role to support the squad in getting the win.Oilers netminder Matt Tomkins reflecting on his initial NHL start in more than two years

“It is wonderful,” McDavid remarked. “He is an awesome guy, truly incredible. He put in relentless effort this past summer in Edmonton, and I am thrilled for him. Without a doubt, that venue is amazing—a phenomenal arena to play in, really iconic. I am genuinely happy for him.”

Given that Tristan Jarry recently posted consecutive shutout victories and both Andersen and Levi are nearing a return to action, this appearance might represent Tomkins’s sole shot during his current stint. With all eyes on him, he made every moment count.

“Having not appeared in the league for a few years, I was certainly thrilled to get the starting call,” Tomkins noted. “My goal was simply to relish the occasion, soak in the atmosphere, and play my role in guiding the team to a win.”

Throughout his career, Tomkins has suited up for numerous clubs across junior hockey, collegiate play, the ECHL, and the AHL. He holds no resentment toward those long bus journeys and stopovers, especially after delivering an unforgettable game inside the building famed as the world’s premier arena.

“It has certainly been challenging, yet simultaneously fulfilling,” Tomkins shared. “I have a passion for playing, and this game has carried me across the globe, and I have treasured every single stage.

“To ultimately find myself here today—having been raised in Edmonton supporting the Oilers—and to receive this chance makes the entire journey truly remarkable and deeply rewarding.”