Oilers top prospect officially leaves organization with new contract

Beryozkin has been ranked as one of the top Oilers prospects in the last two years. Losing him will be a significant blow to the Oilers already weak prospect depth.

According to several KHL sources, Beryozkin is expected to be signing another 1 year contract with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv.

His team just won the KHL's Gagarin Cup, and when asked on the ice after the championship, Beryozkin was unwilling to commit to signing in North America. Especially after a championship, the young forward may just want to stay at home.

With Beryozkin signing on another year in the KHL, the Edmonton Oilers' NHL rights to signing the player will officially expire. If he decides once again to sign in the NHL, he'll be a full-fledged free agent.

Unfortunately, this is a player the Oilers could've definitely used. At just 23 years old, Beryozkin was considered an NHL ready player with his 242 games of professional experience.

At 6'4 and 211 pounds, Beryozkin used his size and frame with physical play and to battle around the net, but also had the hands and puck skills to bury his chances. In 66 games this year, he scored 42 points and was second on his team in scoring.

Beruozkin would've even been eligible to join the playoffs had he signed with the Oilers over the next few weeks. It's a significant disappointment not to land him.

On the other hand, the Oilers have signed a litany of European and College Free Agents this season. They're finding ways to re-stock the cupboards of young cheap players, and will need to find another after the loss of Beryozkin.