Oilers Sign Cam Barker, Eric Belanger, and Corey Potter

The Edmonton Oilers announced on the first day of free agency that they have signed defensemen Cam Barker to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million and Corey Potter to a one-year, two-way contract, as well as center Eric Belanger to a three-year contract worth $5.25 million. His deal will average out to $1.75 million per season, while the financial terms of Potter's contract were not disclosed. Barker was signed as an unrestricted free agent after the Minnesota Wild bought out the final year of his contract. In 52 games last season with the Wild, he had one goal and four assists for five points, while Belanger had 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in all 82 games with the Phoenix Coyotes. Potter appeared in one games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring no points. He also played in 75 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 30 assists for 37 points. Barker isn't a bad signing for the Oilers, as he still has some offensive upside on defense. He also has some mobility and skill on the power play, although he lacks consistency. He was a huge disappointment in Minnesota and hopefully a change of scenery will help Barker get his career back on track. Belanger is a decent addition for Edmonton, as he will bring plenty of veteran skill to the team. He has good two-way skill, is decent on faceoffs, and plays a good defensive game, so he should be a decent third-line center for the team. Potter is really just a depth signing for the Oilers, as he will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.