Edmonton secures a vital defensive anchor, locking in the Jason Dickinson with a team-friendly deal to stabilize the bottom six and solidify their depth for another championship run.
The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Jason Dickinson to a five-year contract carrying an average annual value of $4.0 million, the team announced Sunday.
With concern he might test the free agency market on July 1, it was a priority of the Oilers to get a deal done, but they didn't want to overpay. What will be considered a team-friendly AAV with term added to keep the deal down, this should be seen as win for the Oilers.
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Dickinson, 30, was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline and was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He appeared in 17 regular-season games with Edmonton, recording one goal and three assists, before adding two goals and one assist in four playoff games while battling injury.
The Georgetown, Ontario native brings 566 games of NHL experience across 11 seasons, totaling 75 goals and 172 points, along with a reputation as a reliable defensive forward.
His postseason resume includes 12 points in 44 games. It was being reported his family liked Edmonton and for Dickinson, he wanted to remain on a team that had a chance to win.
While the five-year term carries some long-term risk given Dickinson’s modest offensive production, the $4.0 million cap hit represents solid value for a player expected to anchor the Oilers’ third line. Known for his faceoff ability and penalty killing, Dickinson fills a role Edmonton has struggled to stabilize in recent years.
The signing also provides lineup flexibility, allowing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to remain in a top-six role while easing pressure on younger centers. Ultimately, the Oilers are betting on Dickinson’s defensive reliability and experience to strengthen their depth as they continue to contend.
Chalk one big item off the team's to-do list. Connor Murphy is said to be the team's next priority and word is the two sides have had positive talks and like Dickinson, could be getting closer.
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