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Edmonton Oilers Sign Free Agent Defenseman Kris Russell

By Ryan Ritchie

Mar 11, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Kris Russell (2) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks during the game t the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Blackhawks 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Kris Russell (2) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks during the game t the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Blackhawks 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers Have Officially Signed 29-Year-Old Left-Handed Shooting Defenseman and Shot Blocking Guru Kris Russell to a 1-Year Contract Worth $3.1 Million Dollars

Announced late Friday night, the Edmonton Oilers have officially signed free agent defenseman Kris Russell to a one-year contract worth $3.1 million dollars. The talented shot blocking defender was expected to sign somewhere on July 1st, but it wound up taking 100 days longer.

Russell, 29, while not right-handed, should have the versatility to play either side, likely playing a factor in the addition. Kris takes a lot of unfair criticism. Here’s a guy that blocks shots more frequently than anyone else and plays a two-way game. It almost seems like too much was expected from him offensively in past situations.

Kris Russell was originally selected 67th overall (3rd round) by the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2005. After spending a little over four years in Columbus, things didn’t seem to pan out.

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He was eventually traded to St. Louis in 2011 in exchange for Nikita Nikitin. Kris spent a couple of seasons with the Blues before once again being traded, this time to Calgary in July 2013.

After more than 2 1/2 seasons with the Flames, pending UFA Kris Russell earned the Flames a solid trade deadline return from Dallas in Jyrki Jokipakka, Brett Pollock, and a draft pick that wound up being London Knights standout netminder Tyler Parsons.

Russell played fairly well upon joining the Stars for their Stanley Cup run, but took some criticism once the postseason rolled around.

The nine-year NHL veteran has 38 goals, 139 assists (177 points) in 573 career games. He also has three goals, 13 assists (16 points) in 36 playoff contests.

His best season thus far came back in 2014-15 when he racked up 34 points in 79 games during the regular season, while adding another seven points in 11 games during the Flames surprising postseason run.

Next: Regular Season Predictions - Pacific Division

Russell Will Help Edmonton Oilers Blue Line

Suddenly the Oilers blue line doesn’t look too bad. As mentioned, Russell brings versatility to play both sides, but he also has the ability to play wherever needed. They can either move Mark Fayne down to play with Darnell Nurse on the third pairing or leave Russell to play with the youngster. However you want to look at it, there’s reason for optimism in 2016-17.

We’ll give GM Peter Chiarelli credit for a good signing here, but it still doesn’t mask the fact that he gave Nail Yakupov away for virtually nothing just hours earlier. Tactical plan on the GMs part? Who knows. One thing is for sure, Edmonton Oilers fans are being put through a real emotional rollercoaster these days.

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