EDMONTON – Well, that’s a curveball.

The Edmonton Oilers are used to adapting to new scenarios and challenges. Last year, they weathered a terrible start and made it to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, but lost in heartbreaking fashion.

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This year, they had another bad start. Injuries to Stuart Skinner, Leon Draisaitl, Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, and a few others kept them out for long periods.

They’ve also been missing Mattias Ekholm for the whole postseason.

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They now have a new challenge. But this challenge impacts their immediate future more than their long-term future.

Maxim Beryozkin is just coming off winning the KHL’s Gagarin Cup with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv. His KHL contract is expiring on May 31st. When that happens, he will be eligible to sign an NHL deal.

An NHL deal may have to wait.

Beryozkin Putting Off Oilers Decision

According to Sport Express, Beryozkin will sign a one-year extension with Lokomotiv. However, the team or representation has yet to confirm this.

Beryozkin had a strong year with the Gagarin Cup-winning team. In 66 games, he recorded a career-high 15 goals and 42 points. He fired 143 shots on goal and threw 63 hits while playing 2:13 on the powerplay every game, averaging 15:55 overall.

He elevated his play in the playoffs. Beryozkin recorded a nine-goal and 14-point performance in 21 games. He fired 46 shots on goal and threw 41 hits. He nearly played an additional two minutes per game (17:40) while playing 2:07 with the man-advantage.

While it might be disappointing to have to wait longer for this prospect to sign with the Oilers, they will retain his rights and be eligible to sign him at the end of the extension.

That's not a bad thing; it's just unfortunate for the fans right now, who were excited about a new player showing what they can do at the NHL level.

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