Meet Your Newest Edmonton Oilers Forward: Recent Signing

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Skyler Walker
September 13, 2023 (1:14 PM)

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Oilers Continue Stanley Cup Pursuit with Veteran Signing

The Edmonton Oilers remain on a mission to bolster their roster for a shot at winning the Stanley Cup this season. As training camp approaches, General Manager Ken Holland is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to fine-tune the team's lineup. The latest move came on Tuesday when the Oilers signed veteran forward Adam Erne to a professional tryout offer (PTO).

Erne's Background

At 28 years old, Adam Erne brings a wealth of experience to the table. Over the past two seasons, he has primarily played for the Detroit Red Wings, appearing in a combined 140 games during that period. While Erne may not be a prolific point producer at the NHL level, he possesses qualities that make him an effective contributor in a team's bottom-six forward group.

Physical Presence and Defensive Prowess

Erne's game is characterized by his physicality and defensive commitment. Last season, his 160 hits ranked second on the Red Wings, trailing only Moritz Seider. Additionally, Erne's 55 blocked shots led all Red Wings forwards. These attributes make him a valuable asset in various game situations.

A Chance to Earn a Spot

Joining the Oilers as a PTO player, Erne faces a challenging task of cracking the roster. However, history has shown that PTOs can lead to successful outcomes in Edmonton. A prime example is Devin Shore, who signed a PTO ahead of the 2020-21 season and not only earned himself a contract but also a two-year extension. Given the financial commitments to some of their top players, the Oilers are keen on finding cost-effective solutions to round out their roster, and Erne might be just the player they need.

Competition in Training Camp

Erne is among the three players the Oilers have signed to PTOs, along with Brandon Sutter and Sam Gagner. With 11 forwards already penciled in for roster spots, the competition for opening night positions is intense. Players like Erne, Sutter, Gagner, Mattias Janmark, Raphael Lavoie, and Lane Pederson are all vying for a spot on the roster. The Oilers' training camp promises to be an intriguing spectacle as these players battle for their place on the team.