Oilers sign Kevin Gravel
By Zach Laing
5 years agoAccording to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, the Edmonton Oilers have inked defenceman Kevin Gravel to a one-year, two-way deal worth $700K.
Sportsnet’s Mark Spector says Gravel will get $450k guaranteed and would make $300k in the minors.
Gravel, who has been in the LA Kings organization since he was drafted in the 5th round of the 2010 draft, split time last year between the Kings and their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.
Standing at 6’4 and 212 lbs, he appears to be a depth signing who has put up decent numbers in the American leagues. In 149 AHL games, where he has played the majority of his pro career, he has amassed 38 points.
In 70 NHL games with the Kings, he has put up 10 points.
Last year, he scored three points in 16 games with the Kings, and 11 points in 25 games with the Reign.
The signing is hard not to like. He effectively comes in as a Gryba replacement as a seventh defenceman at most, and could help out in Bakersfield.
Given it’s low-salary and short-term, there is virtually no risk to this deal.
From Hockey’s Future:
Gravel has very good skating for his size, including a good first step. His defensive positioning is exceptional and has become a real staple and defining factor to his game. He should have more points than he does given his puck skills and shot.
The Athletic’s Lisa Dillman had this to say of Gravel:
On Twitter: @zjlaing
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