Oilers Expected To Sign F Dominik Kahun

The Edmonton Oilers will make the signing of German winger, Dominik Kahun official on Monday. The news broke after, German hockey publication, EisHockey posted an interview with Kahun’s agent confirming the move. The news has since received confirmation from Elliotte Friedman.

The specifics seem to be a one-year deal with a 975k cap-hit.

Kahun split last season between Pittsburgh and Buffalo, where he tallied 31 points in 56 games. Kahun was set to become an RFA this offseason but was not offered a qualifying offer by the Sabres, making him a UFA.

The acquisition is a smart one for Ken Holland. Not only is he getting a young forward with some offensive upside, but he is also reuniting Kahun with Leon Draisaitl. The pair played together in their youth and were absurdly dominant. In three seasons together they put up a combined 740 points at the U16 level in Germany. They also play together on the same line in international play. The pair are lifelong friends off the ice as well, which bodes well for team chemistry.

With that in mind, Kahun is probably slotted to start the year next to Draisaitl on the second line. The move would free up Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to take a full-time position beside Connor McDavid, finally giving the captain a capable linemate. On the whole it makes the Oilers top six much better and adds more skill into the forward group.

It is yet another smart move by Ken Holland in an offseason full of them. Kahun will join Tyson Barrie, Kyle Turris, and Jesse Puljujarvi as the key additions to the roster. A pretty decent list of additions and ones that should have a meaningful impact on where the team finishes next season.

What do you think of the signing and where would you slot him in?