Matt Tomkins made a triumphant return to the NHL on Sunday, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a victory over the New York Rangers. The 32-year-old goaltender stopped 27 of 28 shots at Madison Square Garden, marking his first start since April 2024.
A journey from Sherwood Park to the Beijing Olympics
Matt Tomkins' path to the Edmonton Oilers has been defined by persistence across multiple continents and leagues. The Sherwood Park native built his foundation through college hockey at Ohio State before navigating the minor league circuits with the Indy Fuel and Rockford IceHogs. As the repot highlights, his career has also seen him compete in Sweden with Frolunda and Farjestads BK, and even represent Canada as the primary starter during the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.
This long-term development process is a common, albeit grueling, reality for many professional athletes fighting for a permanent roster spot. Tomkins' ability to maintain elite form while moving between the American Hockey League and international stages underscores the mental toughness required to survive the professional grind.
Stopping 27 of 28 shots at Madison Square Garden
The veteran netminder's performance in New York was nothing short of elite, earning him the game's first-star honors. By denying the New York Rangers on nearly every attempt, Tomkins helped the Edmonton Oilers secure their 11th victory in 15 games. Oilers captain Connor McDavid credited the goaltender for his stability , noting that Tomkins made the exact saves required to keep the Rangers at bay during the high-stakes matchup.
Playing in a venue as storied as Madison Square Garden can often rattle even seasoned veterans, but Tomkins appeared unfazed.. McDavid noted that the atmosphere felt special, particularly because of the intense work Tomkins put in during the summer in Edmonton to prepare for this exact moment.
The 928-day wait caused by Levi and Andersen injuries
This sudden resurgence for Tomkins follows a grueling 928-day period without an NHL start. According to the source, the opportunity arose because the Edmonton Oilers were forced to navigate injuries to goaltenders Devon Levi and Frederik Andersen. To manage a demanding weekend schedule of back-to-back games, the team turned to Tomkins,who had spent significant time developing in the American Hockey League with the Syracuse Crunch and Bakersfield Condors.
The reliance on depth players like Tomkins highlights the precarious nature of NHL rosters, where a single injury cluster can shift the entire trajectory of a weekend. Tomkins himself acknowledged the fierce competition among goalies worldwide, noting the inherent uncertainty that comes with waiting for a professional opportunity.
Will Tristan Jarry's recent form end this call-up?
Despite the celebratory atmosphere in Edmonton, the longevity of Tomkins' current stint remains an open question. The report notes that Tristan Jarry is coming off two consecutive shutouts,which could potentially limit the number of starts available to Tomkins during this call-up . It is currently unknown how long the injuries to Levi and Andersen will sideline them, or if the Oilers will return to their standard rotation once the scheduling pressure eases.
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