The Edmonton Oilers have signed unrestricted free agent defencemen Jakub Jerabek to a one-year deal. Financial terms have not yet been released.
The #Oilers have signed Jakub Jerabek to a one-year contract. The 27-year-old Czech defenceman split time between Montreal & Washington in 2017-18, including two playoff appearances with the Capitals. pic.twitter.com/szTK67Ltt2
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 20, 2018
Edmonton Oilers Sign Defenceman Jakub Jerabek
In his rookie season, Jerabek started the season splitting time between the Laval Rocket and Montreal Canadiens before being traded to the Washington Capitals at the NHL Trade Deadline. In 36 NHL games, Jerabek had two goals and six assists for eight points. He also added six minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 49.5 percent Corsi-for with a relative Corsi of +1.4. He had an assist in two Stanley Cup Playoff games last season, helping the Capitals to the championship.
What Does Jerabek Bring to Edmonton
Before making the jump to the NHL Jerabek played for Plzen HC in the Czech Republic for eight years. He would then spend a year in the KHL with Podolsk Vityaz. Even in his nine years playing overseas Jerabek was never a big goal scorer but managed to record at least 20 assists in his last three seasons before coming to the NHL. His best assets are his vision and passing ability.
Jerabek, who signed a one-year entry-level contract worth $925,000 with the Habs last summer, has potential to be a top six defencemen for the Oilers. He’s a small puck-moving defenceman who is still adjusting to North American hockey. At 27-years-old, Jerabek will have to adjust quickly to NHL play, if he wants to have a top-six spot on an NHL team. Jerabek will look to continue his NHL career with his new club, earning more ice-time and responsibility going forward.
With Andrej Sekera out indefinitely due to a torn Achilles, the Oilers quickly addressed their need for further puck-moving depth on the blueline. Jerabek cannot be a direct replacement for Sekera, but he will help the team cope with the loss.
Main Photo: MONTREAL, QC – JANUARY 07: Look on Montreal Canadiens Defenceman Jakub Jerabek (28) during the Vancouver Canucks versus the Montreal Canadiens game on January 7, 2018, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)
