Matt Tomkins Terminates SHL Contract, Expected To Sign NHL Deal

Former Blackhawks prospect Matt Tomkins decided back in 2021 that it was time to try his hand at playing overseas.  However, he didn’t lose his desire to try to play in the NHL and it appears he’ll get another chance at that opportunity as Farjestad of the SHL announced that the netminder has terminated the final year of his deal with them and is expected to sign an NHL contract with an undisclosed team for next season.

The 28-year-old was a seventh-round pick by Chicago back in 2012 and spent four years in their system, never advancing past the AHL level where he had a 3.35 GAA and a .896 SV% in 36 contests.  After his contract expired following the 2020-21 campaign, he went overseas, a decision that worked out well for him.

In 2021-22, Tomkins earned a spot on Canada’s roster for the Olympics where he got into three games before serving as their third-string goalie at the Worlds, making one appearance.  Those opportunities came on the heels of a strong season with Frolunda where he had a 2.46 GAA and a .908 SV% in 33 games.  This past season with Farjestad, his numbers were quite similar, checking in at 2.53 and .911, respectively while splitting time with Maple Leafs prospect Dennis Hildeby.

Considering his track record thus far, it seems reasonable to suggest that Tomkins will be getting a two-way contract wherever he winds up signing.  It’s unlikely that he’ll be in the mix for an NHL roster spot in training camp but if he can lock down a regular role in the minors, he could play himself into the recall mix when injuries arise.  That opportunity appears to be too good for him to pass up on, even if it means leaving what would have been a strong situation with Farjestad where he was in line to be the full-fledged starter with Hildeby leaving for North America early last month.