Highly anticipated Oilers prospect refuses to commit to joining Edmonton
Oilers draft pick Maxim Beryozkin is about to hit free agency with the conclusion of the KHL playoffs, but he is not committing to signing with the Edmonton Oilers next year.
Oilers prospect Maxim Beryozkin says he is unsure of joining Edmonton next season
Beryozkin's team, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, has just won the KHL's Gagarin Cup. Right after winning the championship, KHL reporters asked if he was joining the Oilers next year. Beryozkin refused to commit to anything.
It's understandable that Beryozkin wouldn't want to commit to leaving right after winning the championship, but it does cast doubt on his signing chances. Perhaps he's now more willing to stay to win another Gagarin Cup.
At 6'4 and 211 pounds Beryozkin plays a heavy and hard-hitting style, but also has the soft hands for a scoring touch. This season he finished second in team scoring, and added 9 goals and 14 points in 21 playoff games.
If Beryozkin does sign in the coming weeks, he'll actually be eligible to join the Edmonton Oilers in their playoff lineup. He was added to the Oilers reserve roster before the trade deadline, giving the Oilers the extra option.
Hopefully the Oilers are able to get Beryozkin signed, and add a young NHL ready power forward on a cheap contract for next season. Maybe, Beryozkin even develops into a key player for Edmonton.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
MAI 22 | 759 ANSWERS Highly anticipated Oilers prospect refuses to commit to joining Edmonton Do you think the Oilers will sign Maxim Beryozkin? |
Yes | 472 | 62.2 % |
No | 287 | 37.8 % |
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