Matt Tomkins Could Be the Next Calvin Pickard for the Oilers

Training camps are now in full swing, and rosters were recently announced around the league, including the Edmonton Oilers’ roster. There is obviously a lot to look forward to and conclusions to be drawn from the announcement, but there’s one guy in particular I was reminded of that I want to highlight in a specific way. Matt Tomkins is one of eight goalies on the camp roster, and the veteran netminder could be an important piece for the organization, similar to how another goaltender was for them in recent seasons.

Calvin Pickard played for the Oilers from 2022 to 2026 and was a key piece of a pair of Cup runs as a backup goalie and leader behind the scenes. It was evident from all of Pickard’s teammates in Edmonton that he was a top-tier teammate and an integral part of the team through his tenure. There may be a severe deficiency in NHL experience for Tomkins compared to Pickard, but Tomkins has many years of hockey experience compared to many other young goalies in the system.

If he can step up, there are many roles to be played for the 32-year-old still trying to settle down his career.

Tomkins Is Questionable at the NHL Level

As mentioned, Tomkins’ time in the NHL is limited so far. He has appeared in six games with the Tampa Bay Lightning back in the 2023-24 season, posting an .892 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.33 goals-against average (GAA). It’s not an amazing sample size and doesn’t encourage a ton of belief for a push into the NHL this season, but you never know.

Tomkins registered a .904 SV% and a 2.98 GAA in 42 appearances last season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Bakersfield Condors and even better numbers the season prior with Tampa Bay’s farm team. The numbers from 2025-26 are a lot nicer, and when you compare him to someone like Pickard, he’s a guy who started his career hot, then hit a lull in the middle of his career, then found his game again in recent seasons and became a reliable backup.

Every player is different, but someone like Tomkins has the experience and wouldn’t have to do a whole lot to vault himself into a backup role; whether it be with the Oilers or work his stock up and earn a contract elsewhere as others have.

Tomkins Could Be a Leader

Where I can see Tomkins being more like a Pickard-type is through leadership and mentorship. The AHL roster will likely see a system that includes high-potential young netminders Connor Ungar and Samuel Jonsson, with Tomkins joining them as a third. Things are fluid in that system, but that’s my guess as to how things start out.

I don’t know Tomkins enough to know about his style or who he is behind closed doors, but based on what we know on paper and about his career, he can be a guy who steps up and plays a role. There are some who believe he should be let go in order to let the youth take over the system, but I think he can aid them from within.

If Tomkins can play reliable hockey for the Condors (maybe even the Oilers someday) and find his place as an important veteran and leader on the team, then I believe there’s no reason to let him go anywhere. I understand the argument to allow the youth to get more playing time, but those young goalies also need all the guidance they can get before they take on the NHL.

Pickard has left the organization; it’s time for his quiet but useful role to be filled.