A free agency opened on Monday, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they’ve signed forward Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract worth $4M per season. The 31-year-old forward is coming off three seasons with Los Angeles Kings that followed seven years with the Nashville Predators.
Adding middle-six winger depth
Arvidsson has battled injury problems throughout his career, playing just 70 NHL games three times. When healthy, the Swedish forward has been extremely effective, putting up 52 goals and 71 assists in 161 games with the Kings. Arvidsson is currently listed at 5’10” and 185 pounds, but has been known to play above his size.
Edmonton has been familiar with the player, having seen L.A. in the first round for three consecutive postseasons. Arvidsson was hurt in 2022, but put up seven points in 2023 and three points in 2024 while playing a gritty style, that got under the Oilers’ skin at times. That may not be as big of a factor if Arvidsson joins Edmonton, as he’s reportedly good friends with fellow Swede Mattias Ekholm from their time together with the Predators.
Arvidsson is strong analytically
Arvidsson has ranked well in analytics models, typically ranking below average defensively, but driving play offensively at a high rate with around average finishing.
Arvidsson currently projects to slot in on the Oilers’ second line next to Leon Draisaitl, and would take a spot on the second unit powerplay. This should lead to a healthy bump in production, which should give the Oilers good value for the contract and flexibility to move the deal if he can stay healthy.
The moves leaves interim general manager Jeff Jackson with 7.933M of cap space with 15 signed contracts, with up to another eight roster spots to fill.
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