According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, the Edmonton Oilers and forward Jason Dickinson might be on the verge of reaching a deal to keep the center with the team. A pending UFA, there was some thought that Dickinson might be too pricy for the Oilers to keep in a market that was shy of center options. However, he likes Edmonton and it sounds like he might be open to taking a bit of a discount to stay.
This is not to say the Oilers won’t have to pay well to retain him. But, given what he could make on the open market, it’s more a feeling he could make more from another team than what he and the Oilers might settle on.
Spector writes, “Re: Jason Dickinson and EDM, hearing “very positive movement towards reaching a deal.” As he said at exit interviews, Dickinson’s family quite liked EDM. Should be a big week in EDM, with coaching hire and likely at least 1 UFA announced.”
The key to this deal being a good one for Edmonton won’t just be about the AAV, but the term. Dickinson is 30 years old. A long-term deal would take him into his mid-30s, which means any extension has the potential to look problematic in a few seasons. He’s had one 22-goal season, but not eclipsed nine goals in a single campaign at any other time in his career. He had one goal with the Oilers in 17 games, plus two in the playoffs. While he’s a strong faceoff guy and a penalty killer, there’s not a history of offense to suggest he’ll be capable of outperforming a larger contract.
If he signs, it means the Oilers will have their third-line center position locked up. It also means that reports the Oilers are bringing in Mike Babcock as coach has not swayed Dickinson’s desire to stick around.
Next: Mike Babcock to the Oilers Could Go Nuclear
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