On the first day of NHL Free Agency, the Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Viktor Arvidsson to a 2-year contract with an AAV of $4 million.
The Player
If you can’t beat them, join them. Arvidsson spent the last three years on the Los Angeles Kings. Those Kings lost in the first round to the Oilers every year Arvidsson was on them. The 31-year old winger has 546 regular season games under his belt, recording 179 goals, 183 assists, for 362 points, with a plus 46 rating. However, his health is a concern. He was absent for most of the 2023-2024 season with a back injury. He was held to just 18 games. In 9 full seasons in the NHL, he has played over 60 games in just 4 of them, never playing a full 82. However, when healthy, Arvidsson is a productive offensive weapon.
The Fit
One of the biggest needs for the Oilers was finding a 2nd-line right winger to play with Leon Draisaitl. The former Nashville Predators 4th-round pick fits that bill. Viktor Arvidsson is a 2-time 30-goal scorer, and 5-time 20-goal scorer. He is a relentless forechecker, exceptional along the walls, and has a nose for the net. He brings energy, experience, and a scoring touch to this Oilers lineup. Arvidsson is an upgrade over former Oiler, Warren Foegele, who ironically signed with Arvidsson’s former team, the LA Kings on a 3-year deal worth $3.5 million. The Oilers added a much needed boost to their top 6, with a solid contract.
The Contract
This is a great contract for the Oilers. The Oilers salary cap troubles are well documented. However, with Arrvidsson, they managed to keep the term low, and the AAV is solid. With his injury history, a 2-year deal is perfect. This is a low risk, high reward signing. Don’t be surprised if he puts up 60-70 points this season. And, if things somehow don’t work out, they will be out of the deal in 2-years, so they won’t have to worry about a potential buy out.
What other moves will the Oilers make this offseason? It is heavily rumored that they are trying to move Evander Kane and Cody Ceci. We will see if anything comes of that.
Keep up-to-date with all Oilers, and NHL offseason news at Area 51 Sports Network.