SAN JOSE — Former Sharks defenseman Jake Walman just turned 29 in February. But in six NHL seasons, he’s already been traded three times, sustained his share of injuries, saw his ice time fluctuate as a younger player, faced a minor disciplinary issue earlier this season, and has often been his own worst critic.

Unlike Carfagna and Samanski, the 29-year-old Tomasek will be fighting for a spot on the Oilers out of training camp in 2025-26. The Oilers have good reason to believe he can: Tomasek led the Swedish Hockey League in scoring this past season, helping Farjestad to the regular season title with 24 goals and 57 points in 47 games.

The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2024-25 season as one of the strongest teams in the NHL, but they are already looking for improvements in 2025-26. The Oilers an

Edmonton remains third in the Pacific Division after a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. Leon Draisaitl scored his 52nd goal of the season, and the team improved to 43-26-5, just two points behind the Los Angeles Kings in second place.

Playoffs in most junior and European professional leagues are well underway. There are also plenty of new faces for the Bakersfield Condors, and the Fort Wayne Komets.

Two skilled centres who have gone down different paths.

Many Oilers forwards are badly off the pace of their own established performance levels, and well shy of expectations.