Oilers sign Swedish free agent Persson to 1-year contract

The Edmonton Oilers have added to their defensive depth, agreeing to a one-year contract with Swedish free-agent blue-liner Joel Persson, the team announced Friday.

Persson spent the 2017-18 campaign with the Vaxjo Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League, where he led all defenders with 34 points in 51 games. He then posted five points across 13 playoff games en route to the SHL championship.

"(Joel) has progressed rapidly in the last year and has shown a very good offensive side to his game which is compatible with some of our needs," Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli said in a statement.

Chiarelli added that the Oilers intend for Persson to play in Sweden next season, but that the club has the right to recall him to the NHL.