For the second June in a row, Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli has traded away a player once associated with a new era for the team.
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Thursday morning, right-winger Jordan Eberle was traded to the New York Islanders for right-shooting centre Ryan Strome.
“It is a bit of a relief,” Eberle said. “You go through the summer and you get that trade question a lot. It is exciting to be done with.”
Strome, who turns 24 in July, had a career-best 50 points in 2014-2015. His production fell to 28 points in 2015-2016 and 30 points in 69 games this past season. He has 126 points in 258 career games.
However, Eberle failed to score in 13 playoff games this spring.
“Certainly, that has something to do with it,” said Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli.
“But the reality is Connor [McDavid] and Leon [Draisaitl] are going to get big raises, and we have to clear some space.”
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Eberle has two years remaining on his contract, which pays him $6 million per season.
LISTEN: Bob Stauffer talks with Jordan Eberle after the Edmonton Oilers trade the right-winger
Strome was drafted fifth overall by the Islanders in 2011. He stands 6’1″, 200 pounds. He’ll make $2.5 million this coming season and then be a restricted free agent.
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The Oilers have been a poor face-off team in recent years, but Strome hasn’t been strong in that area. For his career, he’s 44.2 per cent on draws.
Eberle, 27, had 382 points in 507 career games for the Oilers. This past season, he was third on the club with 51 points. The Oilers drafted Eberle 22nd overall in 2008.
WATCH BELOW: Edmonton Oilers’ Jordan Eberle reflects on first NHL playoffs
“Edmonton brought me in as a young guy and gave me every opportunity to succeed. As far as the ownership—the Katz family, all the GMs I’ve had, coaches, the fans—they’ve been the best and to me it was my second home.
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“I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me.”
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Edmonton Oilers' Oscar Klefbom (77) and Jordan Eberle (14) celebrate a goal during first period NHL playoff action against the San Jose Sharks, in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
Jason Franson, The Canadian Press
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Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and right wing Jordan Eberle (14) celebrate Hopkins' first-period goal as Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick looks on during an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Los Angeles.
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The Edmonton Oilers have traded right-winger Jordan Eberle.
Jason Franson, The Canadian Press
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Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and Jordan Eberle (14) celebrate a goal during second period NHL action against the Anaheim Ducks, in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, December 3, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
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Ottawa Senators' Marc Methot (3) is checked by Edmonton Oilers' Jordan Eberle (14) during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Sunday October 30, 2016.
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Edmonton Oilers' Benoit Pouliot (67), Jordan Eberle (14) and Mark Fayne (5) celebrate a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during third period NHL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday February 11, 2016.
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Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle, front left, controls the puck in front of Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle (25) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Tampa, Fla.
AP Photo/Chris O'Meara
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Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) makes a save on a shot by Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) during the third period of an NHL hockey game on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, in Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay's Radko Gudas (7) looks on.
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Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in Newark, N.J.
AP Photo/Mel Evans
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He was also well known in the city as a spokesperson, teaming up with ATB Financial and Kentwood Ford.
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“Edmonton really gets behind their hockey players and they’ve done everything for me to make life easy outside of hockey and I’m going to miss that, for sure,” Eberle said. “But I’ve met a lot of great people and I’m sure I’ll stay in touch with a lot of them.”
One year ago, Chiarelli traded Taylor Hall to New Jersey for Adam Larsson in a move that surprised many.