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Kris Russell News
The Oilers have signed Kris Russell to a four-year deal worth $16 million ($4.0M AAV).

The Oilers were able to clear some cap space by trading away Jordan Eberle, but used most of it to sign Russell. The 30-year-old doesn’t grade out well in the analytics community, but the Oilers obviously like what they have in the undersized, but fearless blueliner. Russell had one goal and 12 assists (13 points) in 68 games in his first year with the Oilers.

Kris Russell
The Oilers have activated Kris Russell (undisclosed) from IR; expected to play on Saturday.

Russell has missed the last seven games with an undisclosed injury, but he is expected to draw back into the lineup tonight in Dallas. Russell finished last year with the Stars, so he is probably excited to be back in the lineup for this particular game. He has three assists in 11 games with the Oilers so far.

Kris Russell
Russell to play on Oilers’ second pair with Andrej Sekera.

Following the trade of Nail Yakupov, the Oilers signed Russell to a one-year, $3.1 million deal and he will solidify their second pairing with Sekera. Both are left-handed shots, but both are equally capable of playing the right-side, however Russell will start there. If used in the right capacity, Russell can be a solid second-pair defenseman, but his ugly possession numbers speak for themselves. His signing likely push righty Mark Fayne to the press box.

Kris Russell
The Oilers have signed Kris Russell to a one-year deal worth $3.1 million.

Russell, 29, spent the last two and a half years with the Flames, before being dealt to the Stars at last year’s deadline. Russell finished the year with four goals and 15 assists (19 points) in 62 games. Russell’s possession numbers are awful and that has led to him leading the league in blocked shots (751—3.1 per game) over the last four seasons. He should help bolster the Oilers’ blueline if he is used properly.

Kris Russell