According to several sources, the 31 year old Oilers depth forward gained significant interest on the free agent market after his clutch playoff performance, but he still opted for the Edmonton Oilers over any other team. More than 4 teams were in the mix to sign Janmark, and he decided to stay to finish the job with Edmonton.
Janmark scored just 4 goals and 12 points in 71 games for the Oilers this year, but had a much better playoffs with 3 goals and 6 points - all seeming to come at the most important times. In his end of season comments, Janmark explained that he knows he needs to score more next season, but is comfortable with his role as a fourth liner and penalty kill specialist. Janmark was a massive part of the Oilers penalty kill success in the playoffs, which became one of the team's greatest strengths
For a character player who has been familiar with the organization and someone who clearly elevated their game in the playoffs, it's not bad value to get Janmark back for $1.4M - especially with the salary cap increasing. If he brings his dogged worth ethic and penalty kill success back for the next three years, he'll be well worth the commitment.
Even without an official General Manager, the Edmonton Oilers are shaping up to be one of the biggest winners of free agency this year. President Jeff Jackson's additions today of Victor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, as well as retaining Corey Perry, Connor Brown, and Mattias Janmark has given Oilers fans a big boost of confidence for the direction of the team next season.
