Oilers Sign Ales Hemsky to Two-Year Extension

The Edmonton Oilers announced on Friday that they have re-signed right wing Ales Hemsky to a two-year contract extension worth $10 million. The deal will pay him $5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer and had been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks. In 47 games so far this season, he has five goals and 21 assists for 26 points. He missed 11 games earlier in the season with a right shoulder injury. An interesting move by the Oilers, as it was expected Hemsky would probably be dealt by the February 27 Trade Deadline, so this should put an end all of his trade rumors for the time being. However, he brings outstanding offensive and playmaking skill to the team despite being an injury-prone player. The Oilers were wise to re-sign him to a short-term contract, as rising stars Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will eligible for restricted free agency over the next couple of years and will likely earn long-term contract extensions.