Matt Tomkins, 32, from Sherwood Park, made his seventh NHL start and first since April 17, 2024, backstopping the Edmonton Oilers to an 11th win in 15 games with a 27-save performance against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The journeyman goalie's path included Ohio State, the ECHL and AHL (Indy Fuel, Rockford Ice Hogs, Syracuse Crunch, Bakersfield Condors), two Swedish clubs, and starting for Canada at the 2022 Olympics. After 928 days since his last NHL appearance with the Tampa Bay Lightning, injuries to Devon Levi and Frederik Andersen opened the door.
Connor McDavid called Tomkins "awesome" and "a great dude," highlighting the team's joy for his longtime teammate. With Tristan Jarry on a hot streak, this may be Tomkins' only chance this call-up, but he seized it: "Just tried to enjoy the day and take it all in."
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing