July 1st, start of free agency

Edmonton Oilers News (July 1st 2011) "Free agency starts"

The Edmonton Oilers have signed draftees Vitaly Karamnov and Andrei Kuchin to entry-level deals worth .475M for the next two years. They will join the team during the summer and attend training camp as members of the Oilers.

The Oilers have released captain Ethan Moreau to free agency, along with non-qualified RFAs Deslauriers, Bendfeld, O'Marra, Pitton, Reddox, Stone, Stortini and Wild. Only Moreau and O'Marra had a significant amount of games during the season, playing regularly on the 4th line. "We wish to thank Ethan Moreau for his long service with the team, but now we are prepared to go with new players."

By the looks of it, Oilers prospect Linus Omark is lost to the organisation. The Oilers and Omark could not agree to a deal prior to Omark's rights expiring and the Swede is now a free agent as far as the NHL is concerned. He is still under contract with Dynamo Moscow, however.

On another note, Dustin Penner won the fans' "Player of the Year" award for his 80 points in 82 games throughout the regular season and playoff campaign. He was a plus 3 in the process.