Ales Hemsky is staying in Edmonton.
The Oilers forward signed a two-year extension to stay in Edmonton worth $10 million.
Here is the story by the Canadian Press.
EDMONTON — Ales Hemsky won’t be testing the free-agent waters.
The Edmonton Oilers signed the forward to a US$10-million, two-year extension on Friday night, keeping him in the fold through 2013-14.
With Hemsky set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, he was considered a prime candidate to be moved ahead of Monday’s trade deadline. Instead, he’ll remain with the only NHL organization he’s ever known.
“There were a lot of discussions with other teams — we had to have that going up to the trade deadline,” said Oilers GM Steve Tambellini. “You have to be prepared for both (possibilities). … I think Ales, speaking to him, is happy and I know our players will be very happy.
“Maybe that’s the most important thing.”
Tambellini and Hemsky sat down for a discussion after Edmonton’s 2-0 victory on Thursday night and a deal was reached Friday.
The 28-year-old Czech was drafted 13th overall by Edmonton in 2001 and has amassed 421 points (119-302) in 536 career NHL games.
Hemsky has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons but has remained fairly healthy this year. In 46 games, he has five goals and 26 points.
“He’s worked hard to get himself physically to a spot where he’s never been,” said Tambellini. “He’s in the prime of his career.”
