[Signing] Oilers re-sign Anton Lander

[-Vintage Canuck-]

The 40th overall pick in the 2009 draft has been productive in the AHL, but…:

The Edmonton Oilers have come to terms with center Anton Lander on a one-year contract extension.

Lander, 23, split the 2013-14 season between the Oilers (0 goals, 1 assist in 27 games) and AHL Oklahoma City (18 goals, 34 assists in 46 games.)

Obviously, making the jump from the AHL, where he’s been very productive offensively, to the NHL, where he hasn’t been, has been a challenge for the 40th overall pick in the 2009 draft.

For some detailed analysis on Lander, and what his future may hold, the Edmonton Journal has some here.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/12/oilers-sign-lander-to-one-year-extension/

[Greene02]

Lander is entering "do or die" territory as far as his time with the Oilers is concerned. I don't think he'll ever be a top 6 player. He could be an average bottom 6 player but it would likely take being traded to get the most out of him. Kind of like Cogliano.

Cogliano was a small forward playing with other small forwards. He goes to the Ducks, where he's surrounded by bigger players, and suddenly theres more room for him to play his game.

On the Oilers, Lander is just one more small forward.

On an unrelated note. I also see Gagner turning some heads onces he's out of Edmonton. I think playing on the Oilers is causing Gagner to struggle, but at the same time, having too many Gagner type players is causing the Oilers to struggle.