The Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with forward Shawn Horcoff on a six-year, $33 million contract extension, keeping him under contract through the 2014-15 season.
''Shawn has proven himself as one of the premier players in the National Hockey League and has been and will continue to be an integral part of our organization moving forward,'' Oilers General Manager Kevin Lowe said in a statement. ''By being proactive with this deal, we avoid being in a situation where Shawn could become an unrestricted free agent after next season and the unknown free agency can bring to the organization. Having him under contract long-term is something that has been on our radar for a long time and we are extremely pleased to finalize this deal.''
The native of Trail, British Columbia, is entering his ninth season in the NHL and will be in the final year of his current three-year contract.
In 53 games last season, Horcoff recorded almost a point per game, collecting 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points. His solid play led him to being named to the Western Conference All-Stars for the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia.
''This is a great day for myself and my family,'' 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 we are heading in, led by our new owner Daryl Katz and General Manager Kevin Lowe. I'd like to thank the Edmonton Oilers and our great fans for making this possible."
Horcoff was drafted by the Oilers (4th round, 99th overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
