The Edmonton Oilers have signed unrestricted free agent center Kyle Brodziak to a two-year contract worth $2.3MM. Brodziak began his NHL career with the Oilers back in 2005-06, and has come full circle more than a decade later.
Brodziak, 34, experienced one of the best seasons of his career in 2017-18 as he registered 33 points in 81 games for the St. Louis Blues. Despite that, he’ll get just a very slight raise on the $900K he earned last season but will get at least some security with the second season. The veteran pivot will try to bring some stability to the bottom-six for the Oilers, and provide them with some much needed center depth after moving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to the wing last season.
It’s not a flashy signing for Edmonton, who are looking to try and bounce back after a frustrating season, but if he can remain an effective defensive player and contribute offensively it can be a good one. The deal is basically risk-free for the club, as they will be able to bury most (if not all) of the cap hit in the minor leagues should Brodziak struggle.