The Edmonton Oilers have made another important move to keep their team strong for the future. As they continue chasing a Stanley Cup with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the team, they have secured a veteran forward who believes Edmonton is the right place for him.

As reported by NHL.com,that became official on Sunday by the NHL, when Jason Dickinson signed a five-year, $20 million contract with the Oilers. The deal has an average value of $4 million per season and will keep him in Edmonton through the 2030-31 season. It also stops him from becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

For Dickinson, staying in Edmonton was not only about money. After the Oilers acquired him from the Chicago Blackhawks on March 4, the 30-year-old quickly felt that Edmonton was the right place for him and his family.

“It gave me a chance to experience the city and the excitement that comes with everything and also feel the environment and the culture they’ve developed there,” Dickinson told NHL.com on Sunday. “They’ve created a culture there that you want to be a part of.”

Even though many people believed he could get a bigger contract from another team, Jason Dickinson said he had already decided to stay with the Edmonton Oilers.

“For me, I was never thinking somebody could give me more,” Dickinson said. “I chose Edmonton in my head early on that I want to commit to them because I like what I see.”

Last season, Dickinson recorded 17 points, with seven goals and 10 assists, in 64 games for the Chicago Blackhawks and Oilers. His scoring numbers were not high, but Edmonton values his strong defensive play, versatility, and ability to play against tough opponents.

These qualities made him an important player to keep as the Oilers continue building a team around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Dickinson Ready for Bigger Role and Cup Pursuit

Jason Dickinson also chose to stay in Edmonton because he wants a chance to win a championship. After spending years rebuilding teams, he now feels he is part of a group that can make deep playoff runs every season.

“That’s huge, that’s the dream,” Dickinson told NHL.com in same interview discussing Edmonton's championship aspirations.

During the Oilers’ first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks, Dickinson played through a fractured fibula. He scored two goals in Game 1 before the injury caused him to miss part of the series. The good news is that he did not need surgery and expects to be fully healthy when training camp begins.

Looking ahead, Jason Dickinson is expected to play as the center on Edmonton’s third line and have an important role on the penalty kill. His defensive skills could help the Edmonton Oilers improve after struggling while shorthanded in the playoffs.

Dickinson also likes the challenge of playing against opponents’ top players. This helps stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl focus more on creating offense.

“I want to make it easier on them,” Dickinson said. “I want them to make sure they have the best opportunity to go out there and win games.”

Now that he has a long-term contract, Jason Dickinson and the Edmonton Oilers will try to turn their shared goal into playoff success over the next five years.

What do you think? How important will Jason Dickinson be in helping the Oilers compete for a Stanley Cup? Comment down below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi