Oilers Sign Depth Forward To 1-Year Deal

 

Ken Holland and the Edmonton Oilers aren't done in free agency just yet after a stellar first day bringing back Evander Kane and Brett Kulak while signing starting goaltender Jack Campbell. There were still a few depth holes to fill. One in particular was the fourth line center position that has just been filled by Mattias Janmark.

The Oilers' center depth should now look like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan McLeod, and Janmark which makes them very strong down the middle. You may be wondering why they needed a center for the fourth line when they have Derek Ryan. Well he was much more effective on the wing last season and should remain in that spot. With Zack Kassian gone, Ryan has a relatively uncontested spot on the fourth line right wing.

Janmark is a great signing for just one year at $1.25 million as he scored nine goals and 25 points in only 67 games last season for the Vegas Golden Knights and is an effective penalty killer who can also do a bit of damage offensively while shorthanded. He can also play the left wing, but the Oilers can expect to get around 10 goals and 25 points from him again.

Holland has seemed to learn from bringing in a certain type of depth player for more than a season and only committed to Janmark for one season. The newly signed forward will likely play less than he has in his career as he averages 15:23 minutes a game in his career, but with a bit of special teams work, he'll be an effective option down the lineup for the Oilers.

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