BREAKING: EDMONTON OILERS MAKE BIG MOVE, SIGN TOP FREE AGENT CENTER ELIAS LINDHOLM TO MULTI-YEAR DEAL WORTH….READ MORE….

The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant splash in NHL free agency, officially signing star center Elias Lindholm to a five-year contract worth $38.5 million, sources confirmed Thursday morning. The 29-year-old two-way forward had been one of the most sought-after names in free agency, drawing interest from several contenders before ultimately committing to the Oilers.

This signing is a major statement from the Oilers front office, which has made it clear they are all-in on maximizing their championship window during the prime years of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Lindholm brings a perfect mix of experience, skill, and defensive responsibility—something Edmonton has needed down the middle behind its top stars.

Lindholm spent the last five seasons with the Calgary Flames, where he established himself as one of the NHL’s most consistent two-way forwards. In 2021-22, he posted a career-high 82 points and was a Selke Trophy finalist. Last season, despite the Flames’ struggles, he still managed to tally 52 points in 80 games and remained one of the league’s top faceoff men.

“Elias is a proven competitor and a great fit for our team culture,” said Oilers GM Ken Holland. “We believe his experience, versatility, and leadership will be vital as we push toward our goal of winning the Stanley Cup.”

Lindholm is expected to slot into the Oilers’ second-line center role, giving the team one of the deepest top-six forward groups in the league. He’ll be relied upon to take pressure off McDavid and Draisaitl, while also anchoring a penalty kill unit that has seen ups and downs in recent seasons.

The Swedish forward reportedly chose Edmonton over other top suitors like the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and New York Rangers. Insiders say his decision was influenced by the Oilers’ strong playoff core and the chance to play alongside two of the league’s top offensive talents.

“It was a tough choice, but I want to win,” Lindholm said in his introductory press conference. “Edmonton is close, and I want to be part of helping them get to the top.”

With this move, the Oilers not only fill a major roster need but also send a strong message to the rest of the league: they are serious about going all the way in 2025.

More updates on lineup projections, salary cap implications, and reactions from around the league will follow. Stay tuned.