Klefbom signs entry-level deal with Oilers

Press Release

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers have signed defenceman Oscar Klefbom to a three-year entry level contract.

Klefbom, 18, was selected by the Oilers in the first round (19th overall) in the 2011 National Hockey League Draft.

Steve Tambellini says, "We are very pleased with Oscar’s growth over the past year since we drafted him last June. His development continues to improve. Oscar is a big, puck moving defenceman, who has shown tremendous poise and ability playing in Sweden's top professional league and particularly at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta.

"We look forward to Oscar Klefbom wearing an Oilers uniform for years to come."

Klefbom just completed his second season in the Swedish Elite League in 2011-12, notching a pair of goals and four penalty minutes in 33 games played. Last season he made his professional debut at the age of 17, playing 23 games for the Elitserien champions Frajestad.

On the international stage, Klefbom led team Sweden to a gold medal at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton and Calgary and was named to the tournament’s First All-Star Team. In 2011, he captained Team Sweden to a silver medal at the Under-18 World Hockey Championship.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)