For Edmonton Oilers forward Shawn Horcoff, it was a chance to end his career with the only National Hockey League team he's known; for Jeff Tambellini, it was an opportunity to cement his status as an everyday player. On Wednesday, both Chilliwack Chiefs graduates inked new multi-year deals with the respective NHL teams.
Horcoff's six-year, $33 million extension keeps the talented Oilers forward out of the unrestricted free agent pool, which he was in line to enter next summer. The Trail, BC native tallied 21 goals and 29 assists in 53 games last season, good for second in team scoring despite missing the final months of the season with a shoulder injury.
“This is a great day for my family and for myself,” Horcoff said. “Edmonton is a great city and one that has embraced us in every way possible. “I've spent my entire career with the Oilers and I'm thrilled about the direction of the team.”
Meanwhile, New York Islanders winger Jeff Tambellini would love to be in Horcoff's shoes a few years from now. Having proven himself as a top-line threat in the American Hockey League, Tambellini earned a new two-year pact with the big club and the opportunity to continue to build his NHL resume.
Tambellini has now played 79 games in three pro seasons, and notched a career-high 31 games on Long Island last year while also tallying 76 points in 57 games with minor league affiliate Bridgeport.
Tambellini will earn $1.175 million over the next two seasons.
