Former NHLer reveals how Milan Lucic blocked him from joining Oilers

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Ryan Hall
April 3, 2024 (6:57 PM)

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During an interview with OilersNation Everyday podcast, former NHLer Jason Demers tells his story of desire to be an Edmonton oiler and how Milan Lucic blocked his dream from coming true.

He certainly felt that the deal was going to happen as Oilers former head coach Todd McClellan phoned him the day before and explained the teams need of a right-handed shot defenseman which he fit the mold.

«I really wanted to sign with Edmonton,» Demers started. «I talked with Todd [McLellan] the day before, and he was like, �Hey, we really need a right-handed defenceman,' so I was super excited.»

After he and his father were invited to a meal to discuss terms of a new deal, it became clear that Milan Lucic had other ideas as he was also looking to sign with the Oilers.

«I'm talking to my dad and I'm like �I don't know what's going on here, they must be negotiating,'» explained Demers. «They're going back and forth. I think it was the third or fourth course, and the money was at like five or six million, and I turned to my dad, and I'm like, �Doesn't look like we're going to Edmonton.'»

Demers Oilers deal never materialized in which he ended up signing with the Florida Panthers in 2016 where he landed a 5-year contract that was worth $22.5 million.

Lucic on the other hand, landed a monster contract that was seven years and worth $42 million which gave him a cap hit of $6,000,000 per season. That contract never lived up to its fullest for the Oilers as he only lasted three seasons with the team until he was traded to Oilers bitter rival, the Calgary Flames.

After a long road in the NHL, Demers finally was able to enjoy his dream in the twilight of his career year as he had signed a one-year deal worth $750,000 with the Oilers in 2022-2023. He only managed to play one game for the team and 10 minutes and 44 seconds of ice time.

Source : Daily Hive - Lucic contract prevented Oilers from signing Demers in 2016