Coyotes Claim Gilbert Brule Off Waivers from Oilers

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that they have claimed center Gilbert Brule off re-entry waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. Phoenix will now be responsible for half of his $1.85 million salary. In 27 games this season with Edmonton's AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City, Brule has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. He has not appeared in an NHL game so far this season. Not a bad depth move for the Coyotes, as Brule has some playmaking ability and can play a physical game from time to time. However, inconsistency and injuries have dogged him throughout his NHL career and have kept from developing into the high-scoring forward he was projected to be when Columbus drafted him sixth overall in 2005. Perhaps the change of scenery can help Brule get his career back on track and improve his game.

Oilers Re-Sign Gilbert Brule to Two-Year Contract

The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have avoided arbitration with center Gilbert Brule and re-signed him to a two-year contract worth $3.7 million. The deal averages out to $1.85 million per season. In 62 games last season with the Oilers, he had 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points. Not a bad signing for Edmonton, as Brule made some good steps in his development last season after struggling in Columbus for two years. He has some scoring upside, is a good playmaker, and can play a physical game when he needs to. Look for Brule to improve his play even more next season with the Oilers.