Edmonton Oilers Sign Martin Gerber
The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have signed goaltender Martin Gerber to a one-year contract. The signing brings Gerber back to the National Hockey League (NHL), after spending spent last season with Altant Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Gerber was drafted 232nd overall in the eighth round of the 2001 NHL entry draft by the Anaheim Ducks. He spent three years with the Duck organization, playing for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks before joining the team as a back-up for the next two years.
After two years backing up in Anaheim, Gerber was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes where he took over starting duties. While in Carolina, Gerber impressed by winning 38 regular season games in 60 appearances and led the team to the Division Championships.
After a season with the Hurricanes, Gerber joined the Ottawa Senators. He struggled in his first season with the club and was limited to only 29 games because of injury. His second season was far more productive as he remained healthy and appeared in 57 contests, winning 30 games.
The next season, Gerber struggled and was eventually dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a salary-dump move. At the end of the season, Gerber chose to head to the KHL.
The Oilers have signed Gerber as insurance, as their projected starting goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was charged with driving under the influence in Arizona, and if convicted could face jail time and would not be available for the start of the season.
The Oilers also have young goalies Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk. Due to the logjam in the crease, it has been speculated that the Oilers could move one of the young net-minders. The Gerber signing could be a sign of an impeding deal.
Last year in the KHL, Gerber managed a record of 15-6-6, registering a 2.19 goals-against-average, and a .914 save percentage.
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