The Edmonton Oilers have made a move to bolster their defensive depth, signing Riley Stillman to a two-year, two-way contract. Here are four key things to know about the Oilers' newest addition:
1. Contract Details and Role: Stillman's contract carries an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level. The two-way nature of the deal means he will earn a different salary if he plays in the AHL. He also has a $475k guarantee in the minors. The Oilers were looking to add a depth defenseman, and Stillman fits that bill. He is expected to provide organizational depth and could fill in on the third pairing or penalty kill if injuries arise on the left side.
2. Experience and Background: The 27-year-old Stillman is a Peterborough, Ontario native. He was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the fourth round (114th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, he has accumulated 163 games of NHL experience, playing for Florida, Chicago, Vancouver, Buffalo, and Carolina. Before turning pro, Stillman played junior hockey with the Cobourg Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Oshawa Generals and Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
3. Recent Performance: Last season, Stillman split time between the Carolina Hurricanes and their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. He played five games for the Hurricanes, recording no points. In 35 games with the Wolves, he had three goals and six assists. Stillman's most productive AHL season came in 2021-22 with Chicago, where he had two goals and 10 assists in 52 games.
4. Playing Style: Stillman is a sizable defenseman, standing 6'2" and weighing 207 pounds. He is considered a prototypical shutdown defenseman. His addition provides the Oilers with a physical presence and a player who can contribute on the penalty kill.