Oilers Sign Pakarinen

News this evening (via NHLNumbers) that the Oilers have signed Iiro Pakarinen. The Finnish winger has been a trusted utility forward for coach Todd McLellan in the last two seasons (when healthy). The contract is for one year, and is a one-way deal and pays $725,000.

Pakarinen is important to the Oilers because his signing gives Edmonton the freedom to protect Mark Letestu in the expansion draft. As I mentioned here, the expansion rules are specific and Pakarinen’s addition gives Peter Chiarelli room to wheel.