Fansided

NHL Free Agency Rumors: Milan Lucic signs with Edmonton Oilers

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic (17) during an NHL game against the Washington Capitals at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic (17) during an NHL game against the Washington Capitals at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

According to a report, free agent forward Milan Lucic, formerly of the Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins, has agreed to a deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

Milan Lucic became the cream of the 2016 NHL free agency crop once Steven Stamkos re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Perhaps as a direct result of the controversial trade that sent forward Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils and defenseman Adam Larsson to the Edmonton Oilers, the Oilers have agreed to terms with Lucic according to Nick Kypreos.

It’s a seven-year deal worth $42 million. He’ll have a $6 million cap hit.

Losing Hall leaves a huge hole in the Oilers’ lineup, but Lucic should help to replace that lost production. While he isn’t the producer that Hall is, Lucic is still reliable for at least 50 points a season. He has done so in four of his last five full seasons. Lucic had 20 goals last season with the Los Angeles Kings, marking the second time in three seasons that he has reached that plateau and the fourth time in his career that he has reached it.

The Oilers should benefit from Lucic’s skilled yet physical style of play. Lucic is not afraid to use his size to his advantage. The opportunity to potentially play alongside Connor McDavid was most likely a factor in Lucic’s decision. He’s not a replacement for Hall, but he should certainly help.

For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our NHL hub page.

Home/Edmonton Oilers