According to PuckPedia, the Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Cam Dineen to a one-year contract worth $775,000 in the NHL and $210,000 in the minors, with $250,000 guaranteed.
Dineen, who is 24 years old, was acquired by the Oilers in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes in March, where he had been a third-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. He spent last season playing for both Arizona's and Edmonton's AHL affiliates, the Tucson Roadrunners and Bakersfield Condors. Dineen registered 11 goals and 36 assists for 47 points in 69 games with the Roadrunners and Condors, and also had seven assists in 34 NHL games with Arizona in 2021-22.
Despite being eligible for Group VI unrestricted free agency this offseason, Dineen has chosen to remain with the Oilers. This is seen as a low-risk move by the team, as they have secured a young defenseman with some remaining potential on a reasonable contract. Although Dineen will likely start the season in the AHL, he has demonstrated himself to be a viable option for call-ups after two consecutive strong offensive performances in the minors.
Dineen's offensive abilities in the AHL are encouraging, but he will need to improve his defensive game to become a regular in the NHL. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he is not the biggest defenseman, but he possesses good mobility and is an effective puck-mover.
