Oilers expected to sign defenceman to seven year contract

The playoffs can be a time of year to earn a contract, and Desharnais is doing just that with his physical play and team leadership. After being drafted by the Oilers in the seventh round of the 2016 Draft and toiling away in the minor leagues for years, Desharnais has become a fantastic fit for the Edmonton Oilers.

However, the Oilers and Desharnais have been in a sticky situation about his contract. Desharnais is 27 years old and looking to cash in with guaranteed NHL money. Precedent for other defencemen in his situation would show Desharnais could likely sign for $3M for 3 years in free agency, but the Oilers could keep his salary lower and offer longer term. On a 6-7 year contract, keeping Desharnais for $1.5M would still be a great value for the bottom pairing defence.

In the first 4 games against the Kings this playoffs, Desharnais has shown to be an incredible teammate, a physical warrior, and adept at defending the net front. Coach Knoblauch showed his trust in Desharnais last night by putting him out with Ekholm to defend the Kings' 6-on-5 at the end of the game.

It'll certainly be a big risk for the Oilers to sign a 27 year old defenceman with only 118 games played to a seven year contract, but Desharnais could be worth that risk if the salary is low enough. He's a clear fan favourite and an important character to the team. Hopefully Desharnais stays with the Oilers, and can keep up his game for the next 6 or 7 years.