Edmonton, AB
There is at least 2 reasons to celebrate this week in Edmonton, despote the recent failure to make the playoffs.
The Oilers have locked maybe the 2 most important pieces of their core, in Saku Koivu and Andrei Markov. Koivu, was perhaps the biggest surprise, as he was scheduled to become an Unrestricted Free Agent at year end. To the enjoyment of the Edmonton brass, he had interest in returning to this team.
"Despite a disappointing end to this season, I am excited at the path that this team is taking, we are on the cusp of making some serious noise in the Western Conference. I am happy to stay in Edmonton."
According to Edmonton management, the contract Koivu signed, was admittantly on the high side, but they felt it was fair value for what he brings to the ice, and uncomparable mix of skill, leadership, and he ability to make the players around him better. Terms of the deal, 4 years at $4 900 000 per season, with a healthy signing bonus. Most importantly, the deal includes a No-trade clause, something the Oiler's eyed from day one, and there were many, of negotiations.
At the same time, quietly, the Oilers also resigned defenceman Andrei Markov to a 3 year deal worth reportedly $2 000 000 over 3 years. A very important signing, as this locks up Edmonton's decidedly #2 defenceman for at least the immediate future.
This also represents to 2 only major signings Edmonton had to concentrate on, after the dealing of Michael Ryder. Edmonton is now free to concentrate on other duties, mainly trades an UFA's to fill some holes.