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Swedish Winger Joakim Nygård Chooses Edmonton - UPDATE ON CONTRACT

May 23, 2019, 5:21 PM ET [71 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


UPDATE

Quick update, professional contracts from overseas are confusing. It appears as though 925,000 for a an year deal is the most that Nygard can sign for. Should he sign more the max, that's still a sweet deal for Edmonton.





Actual news about an actual player!

A couple of days ago, news broke that Swedish winger Joakim Nygård was deciding between Edmonton and Calgary for an NHL opportunity. Today, the 26 year old left winger chose the Oilers.




WHO IS THIS GUY?

Joakim Nygård has played in the Swedish Hockey League for the past six seasons. The 180lb winger is known for a strong two way game, being aggressive on both the fore-check and back-check, and his blinding speed. The most common NHL comparison that has been thrown around for Nygard is fellow Swede Carl Hagelin.

This season Nygard had a career high in points and goals, finishing the regular season going 21-14-35 in 52GP then followed it up with another ten points in 14 playoff games. Nygard finished second in the league in scoring, behind teammate and Bruins prospect 21 year old Oscar Steen, though Nygard did produce more goals. He is still described as a fairly raw player, but scouts all agree that his speed is elite and his willingness to join the play makes up for other deficiencies.

It's obvious why Edmonton was an attractive option for the Swede. The lack of depth throughout the Oilers roster in known (we are international baby) and the opportunity currently exists for Nygard to earn a spot playing with one of the Oilers big three.

This is a zero risk move for an Oilers team that desperately needs to find value contracts to bolster their roster with. Nygard will sign a cheap one year deal with the Oilers and at worst he should fit in on a third line, being able to produce at least 10 goals.

It shouldn't be looked at as a solution for everything that ails the Oilers, but if the options are signing players like this or giving guys like Brock Nelson 6 million a year... give me the former.

Have a Nygard highlight!
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