In 2016, the Edmonton Oilers secured their top free agent, signing Milan Lucic to a seven-year, $42 million contract—marking the start of the Connor McDavid era.

In the summer of 2016, the Edmonton Oilers made a bold statement about their ambitions and future direction by signing Milan Lucic to a seven-year, $42 million contract. This move was not just a significant free-agent acquisition; it was a symbolic and strategic step marking the dawn of a new era with Connor McDavid at the helm. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of that pivotal offseason, analyzing the background leading up to the signing, the details of the deal, Lucic’s potential impact, and the broader implications for the franchise and the NHL.

Contextualizing the 2016 Free Agency and the Oilers’ Building Phase
The State of the Edmonton Oilers Pre-2016

Before the 2016 offseason, the Edmonton Oilers were a franchise in transition. After enduring a long playoff drought, they were re-establishing themselves as a competitive team. The arrival of Connor McDavid in 2015-16 injected new hope and excitement into the organization, signaling a potential turning point. However, the team still lacked depth, physicality, and veteran leadership—elements crucial for sustained success.

The Oilers had promising young talent like Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Darnell Nurse, but they needed to add experienced, impactful players to complement their core and help them contend.

The 2016 Free-Agent Market

The 2016 free-agent class was notable for several high-profile players, but the market was also characterized by a scarcity of true game-changers. Teams were cautious, and the market’s top players were often overpaid relative to their contributions. For the Oilers, securing a player of Lucic’s caliber was viewed as a strategic move to accelerate their competitiveness.

The Need for Physicality and Leadership

The Oilers’ roster at that time was talented but lacked sufficient grit and veteran presence capable of elevating their competitive edge. Adding a player like Lucic, known for his physical style, leadership qualities, and playoff experience, was seen as essential to balancing their roster and nurturing their young stars.

Milan Lucic: Profile and Career Highlights
Early Career and Rise with the Boston Bruins

Milan Lucic was drafted 50th overall in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins. He made his NHL debut in 2007-08 and quickly established himself as a power forward with a physical edge, strong skating, and an ability to contribute offensively.

Lucic’s breakout season came in 2010-11, when he scored 17 goals and 36 points, helping the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Over the next several seasons, Lucic became a key component of the Bruins’ identity—a tough, physical presence who could chip in offensively and play a shutdown role.

Playing Style and Attributes

Lucic’s game is built around his size, strength, and physicality. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing around 236 pounds, he is a formidable presence on the ice. His style involves finishing checks, battling in the corners, and providing energy and intimidation.

While not a prolific scorer, Lucic’s offensive contributions, combined with his physical play, made him a highly sought-after asset. His leadership and playoff experience added to his value as a veteran presence.

Career Achievements and Notable Moments

Stanley Cup champion with the Boston Bruins (2011)
Multiple seasons with 10+ goals, including a career-high 17 in 2010-11
Known for his leadership, work ethic, and physical intimidation
Trade to Los Angeles Kings and Subsequent Career

In 2015, Lucic was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, marking the beginning of a new chapter. His production declined slightly, and questions about his fit in different systems emerged. Nonetheless, his reputation as a physical, energetic forward persisted.

The 2016 Signing: Contract Details and Rationale
Contract Breakdown

On July 1, 2016, the Edmonton Oilers signed Milan Lucic to a seven-year, $42 million contract. This represented an average annual value (AAV) of $6 million.

Term: 7 years (through the 2022-2023 season)
Total Value: $42 million
Per Year: $6 million
Rationale Behind the Contract

The Oilers viewed Lucic as a cornerstone piece to their evolving team identity. The reasons for this signing included:

Adding Physicality: To complement their skill-based core, the Oilers sought a player who could bring grit and intimidation.
Leadership and Experience: Lucic’s playoff pedigree and leadership qualities were deemed valuable for a young team.
Cultural Fit: His work ethic, team-first attitude, and reputation as a positive locker-room influence aligned with the team’s culture aspirations.
Market Value: At the time, Lucic’s contract was considered a reasonable investment for a player of his profile, though opinions differed regarding the value relative to his production.
The Impact of the Signing: Expectations and Reality
Initial Expectations

The Oilers expected Lucic to:

Be a physical presence on the ice
Contribute offensively with 10-15 goals per season
Provide leadership and veteran guidance to young players
Play a key role on the penalty kill and in physical battles
Performance in the First Seasons

In his first season (2016-17), Lucic scored 10 goals and 23 points, with a notable physical presence. His energy and leadership were apparent, and he was seen as a good fit within the team’s culture.

However, the subsequent seasons revealed some challenges:

Inconsistency: Lucic’s offensive production declined, and he struggled to replicate his earlier scoring punch.
Contract Challenges: The long-term deal became scrutinized as Lucic aged and his performance declined.
Fit and System: Critics argued that Lucic’s style was less effective in the Oilers’ system, especially with the rise of analytics-driven hockey emphasizing speed and skill over physicality alone.
Trade and Aftermath

By 2019-2020, the Oilers faced the realization that Lucic’s contract was difficult to move, and his performance had declined significantly. The team eventually bought out the remaining years of his deal in 2021, incurring a cap hit but alleviating salary cap pressures.

Broader Implications for the Oilers and NHL
The Significance of the 2016 Signing in Franchise History

Lucic’s signing was a defining moment for the Oilers, signaling their intent to build a more balanced, competitive team. It was their first major free-agent splash in years and reflected a strategic shift towards acquiring veteran leadership and physicality.

The Rise of the Connor McDavid Era

The signing coincided with the beginning of Connor McDavid’s leadership on the ice. It was intended to help McDavid and the young core transition from prospects to contenders.

Lessons Learned

The Lucic contract became a cautionary tale about the risks of overpaying for physicality and veteran presence, especially when the player’s performance declines. It also highlighted the importance of aligning player profiles with team systems and long-term strategy.

The NHL Landscape and the Role of Physical Forwards
The 2016 free-agent class and Lucic’s signing exemplified a broader NHL trend: teams valuing physicality and veteran leadership to complement skill and speed. While the league has shifted towards faster, more skill-oriented hockey, the importance of physical presence remains, particularly in playoff hockey.

Lucic’s signing reflected this philosophy, but also underscored the risks of relying heavily on physicality over skill and analytics-driven insights.

Final Analysis: Legacy and Lessons
A Landmark Signing with Mixed Outcomes

Milan Lucic’s signing by the Oilers in 2016 was a bold and impactful move that symbolized the franchise’s ambitions. It showcased their desire to add grit and leadership around their young star, Connor McDavid.

While initial expectations were met with enthusiasm, the long-term results were mixed. The deal became a cautionary tale about overextending on physicality and veteran contracts without considering evolving NHL trends.

Lessons for Future Franchises

Balance is Key: Combining skill, speed, and physicality is essential, but contracts must reflect player value and system fit.
Long-term Contracts Carry Risks: Seven-year deals, especially for aging players, require careful evaluation.
Leadership and Culture Matter: Veteran presence can accelerate development, but must be balanced with performance and future potential.
Legacy in Edmonton’s History

Though Lucic’s tenure with the Oilers ultimately did not meet all expectations, his signing remains a pivotal moment—marking the franchise’s commitment to winning and signaling their entry into the modern NHL competitive landscape.

Conclusion
The 2016 signing of Milan Lucic by the Edmonton Oilers was a defining moment in the franchise’s history, representing their aspirations to contend with a blend of skill and physicality, and signaling the start of Connor McDavid’s era of leadership. While the deal ultimately faced challenges, it provided valuable lessons about roster building, contract management, and the evolving nature of NHL hockey.

This move exemplified the risk-taking and strategic ambitions of the Oilers, setting the stage for future decisions and underscoring their commitment to elevating their franchise into perennial contenders. Despite the mixed long-term results, Lucic’s signing remains a significant chapter in the Oilers’ pursuit of excellence—a testament to the complexities and boldness involved in assembling an NHL champion.