The Edmonton Oilers have confirmed the signing of Jakub Jerabek, a former Capitals defenseman, to a one-year contract. The announcement was made via the team’s official Twitter account. This move comes just six days after Andrej Sekera’s injury.
The specific details of the agreement have not been made public. Jerabek earned $925,000 last year and is expected to be in a similar salary range for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old Czech defenseman entered the NHL last season after a stint in the KHL and playing in the Czech league from 2008 to 2016. He signed with Montreal last summer before being traded to Washington later in the season.
In his NHL career, Jerabek played 25 games with the Canadiens, tallying 1 goal, 3 assists, and a +1 rating. He also participated in 17 AHL games before joining the Capitals, where he recorded 4 points in 11 regular-season games and appeared in 2 playoff matches. His performance metrics include a 49.5% Corsi For and an average ice time of 16:19 per game over 36 appearances, showcasing his positive impact in terms of possession and offensive contributions.
Jerabek is expected to fill a depth role as the sixth or seventh defenseman for the Oilers, providing valuable support without high expectations. While he primarily shoots left, he has demonstrated versatility in playing on either side, bolstering the team’s defensive depth. This signing represents a low-risk opportunity that could prove beneficial for the Oilers in the upcoming season.
