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The Edmonton Oilers announced via Twitter this morning that they've signed Linus Omark to a one-year contract:
The Edmonton #Oilers have agreed to terms with forward Linus Omark on a one-year contract.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 27, 2013
The media reaction was swift:
@EdmontonOilers Sign and trade?
— Robin Brownlee (@Robin_Brownlee) August 27, 2013
and there will be some explanations needed in certain corners:
For the record I think Hartikainen and Omark are both better prospects for the NHL then Rajala. I am guessing most of you do too?
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) August 23, 2013
Toni Rajala certainly opened up some eyes this season. Skates better, hungrier than Linus Omark. Look forward to seeing him at training camp
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) June 6, 2013
Omark should make an excellent linemate for Ales Hemsky on the third line with Boyd Gordon. Omark can provide offense as demonstrated by his equivalencies:
| Year | Age | Team | League | NHLE82 G | NHLE82 A | NHLE82 P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 18 | Lulea HF | SEL | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 2006-07 | 19 | Lulea HF | SEL | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| 2007-08 | 20 | Lulea HF | SEL | 13 | 24 | 37 |
| 2008-09 | 21 | Lulea HF | SEL | 28 | 39 | 66 |
| 2009-10 | 22 | Moscow Dynamo | KHL | 24 | 19 | 44 |
| 2010-11 | 23 | Oklahoma City Barons | AHL | 18 | 22 | 40 |
| 2010-11 | 23 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 8 | 35 | 43 |
| 2011-12 | 24 | Oklahoma City Barons | AHL | 12 | 20 | 32 |
| 2011-12 | 24 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 18 | 0 | 18 |
| 2012-13 | 25 | Zug | Swiss | 11 | 32 | 43 |