Kris Russell signs four-year contract with Oilers

Defenseman Kris Russell signed a four-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Friday. Financial details weren't released, but TSN reported it is worth $16 million (an average annual value of $4 million) and contains a modified no-trade clause.
"I just have a feeling -- I think we all have a feeling -- with some of these young kids and the bright futures they have," Russell said. "The way the team is developing, obviously there's a lot of hard work that's got to go into it, but we showed some good signs last year."

Russell, 30, had 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 68 games and four assists in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Oilers this season after signing a one-year contract with Edmonton on Oct. 8. He has 181 points (30 goals, 151 assists) in 641 NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars and Oilers.
Russell led the NHL in blocks (213) last season and has the most blocks since the 2011-12 season (1,042).
"I'm excited," Russell said. "Obviously, they gave me an opportunity late at the start of the season last year and I was very thankful for that. I'm really happy to continue on with them."
The signing came one day after the Oilers traded forward Jordan Eberle to the New York Islanders for forward Ryan Strome, which saved them $3.5 million in NHL salary-cap space this season, according to CapFriendly.com.