The Edmonton Oilers signed free-agent defenceman and recent Stanley Cup champion Jakub Jerabek to a one-year contract on Monday.
Jerabek, 26, appeared in 36 games last season with the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals, recording two goals and six assists. He also played in two playoff games in Capitals’ run to the Stanley Cup title.
LISTEN BELOW: Jakub Jerabek speaks with 630 CHED’s Oilers NOW
On Wednesday, he told 630 CHED’s Oilers NOW that he’s looking forward to coming to Edmonton.
“I’m very excited to play here with this group and, obviously, with one of the best players in the league, Connor McDavid.
READ MORE: Jerabek scores first NHL goal in Canadiens’ 4-1 loss to Bruins
Jerabek appeared in 17 games with the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, posting 11 points with one goal and 10 assists.
He spent the 2016-17 season with Vityaz Podolsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia, where he had five goals and 29 assists and a goal and a helper over two playoff games. His 34 points ranked him sixth on the team in scoring and he also represented Vityaz Podolsk at the 2017 KHL all-star game.
“It was always my dream to play in the NHL, to be a part of this big league and if there was a chance I just wanted to take it and go,” he said.
Jerabek spent eight seasons with HC Plzen of the Czech Extraliga (ELH) from 2008-16.
The native of Plzen, Czech Republic has played for his country several times internationally, including the 2016 and 2017 world hockey championships. He also played at the world junior hockey championship in 2010 and 2011.
Notes:
On Sept. 11, the Edmonton Oilers’ rookie squad will be taking on the NAIT/MacEwan University all-star hockey team at Rogers Place. Last year, the Oilers’ rookies lost 2-0 to the NAIT/MacEwan team. Tickets for the game go on sale Friday.
Watch below: Some videos from Global News’ coverage of the Edmonton Oilers during the summer of 2018.
– With files from Kirby Bourne, 630 CHED