Milan Lucic to Oilers: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Winger Milan Lucic's tenure with the Los Angeles Kings ended after just one season Friday, as he signed a seven-year, $42 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun first reported the signing, and Sportsnet's Chris Johnston confirmed it.

After a down year with the Boston Bruins in 2014-15, Lucic enjoyed a resurgent 2015-16 campaign upon getting dealt to L.A. for goalie Martin Jones, defenseman Colin Miller and a first-round pick.

Lucic notched 20 goals and 55 points in 81 games to go along with an impressive plus-26 rating.

The Kings fell to the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the playoffs, but the big-bodied Lucic was a seemingly perfect fit due to his size, physicality, scoring touch and defensive acumen.

Following the season, the 28-year-old veteran made it clear that his preference was to return to Los Angeles for 2016-17 and beyond, according to Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times: "To be honest, I really don't have much interest in hitting the open market, or even hearing what's out there—because in my mind, this is where I want to be. Why flirt with something when you know what you want?"

Lucic spent the first eight seasons of his NHL career with the Bruins, scoring 24 or more goals in a season three times and topping the 60-point plateau on two occasions. He also won a Stanley Cup and has 101 postseason games played to his credit.

Time and space are at a premium in today's NHL due to the game's tight-checking nature, and at 6'3" and 233 pounds, Lucic is big and powerful enough to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

He lives in front of the net offensively, and he isn't afraid to sacrifice his body when it comes to throwing checks or punches either.

The Kings are stacked with big, skilled forwards of Lucic's ilk, but they'll now be forced to search for an ample replacement.

Doing so won't be easy since few wingers in the NHL possess the all-around skill set that the Vancouver native brings to the table.

Lucic has excelled at both stops during his NHL career, and he brings a different dimension to the Oilers that should help them take another step toward contending for a playoff spot.

He has proved to be a winner willing to contribute in all areas, and Lucic figures to be worth the lofty contract he received if that trend continues in Edmonton.

The forward-heavy Oilers traded Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Adam Larsson this week, and while Lucic is capable of putting up points, he brings a far different skill set to the table than Hall rather than replacing him.

Edmonton boasts primarily finesse forwards, but Lucic is the complete opposite, and he should bring a dimension of grit and toughness to the top six that was previously missing.

The Oilers still need help on defense and in goal, but signing Lucic could be a significant move in terms of changing the culture of the team.  

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