Another one of the Edmonton Oilers’ unrestricted free agent forwards has found a new home. Patrick Russell has signed a two-year contract with Linkoping HC of the SHL, returning to the program he played for in junior.
Russell, 28, suited up just eight times for the Oilers this season, registering two assists. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of St. Cloud State, the Danish forward ended up playing 59 games over the last three years with Edmonton. Amazingly, he failed to record a single goal despite generating 76 shots on net. If he fails to return to North America, his NHL career will end with zero goals and seven points.
For years now, the Oilers have been trying to find a mix of forwards that can give Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl some help. With the additions of Zach Hyman, Warren Foegele, and Derek Ryan, they’ll try again to make a more balanced attack. Russell, who was a strong player for the Bakersfield Condors when in the minor leagues, will end up back overseas after failing to fill one of those bottom-six roles.