Three Edmonton Oilers players made a a major decision together this summer, and it all came down to a group chat.
In a new interview with the Edmonton Journal, Adam Henrique, Connor Brown, and Mattias Janmark revealed that all three forwards stayed in close touch through free agency via a group chat. Eventually, all three players made the decision in the group chat to reject other offers to stay in Edmonton.
"Brownie signed pretty early and then me and Rico had a little contact during the day. I texted him to see if he had an offer. He had an offer. I had an offer. We were both contemplating other offers but at the end of the day we were both back. It's each guy for himself, but (the other two coming back) did play a factor for sure."
- Mattias Janmark
Both Henrique and Janmark said that a major factor in returning to the Oilers was knowing that their teammates will be back as well. Adam Henrique was offered more money from the Winnipeg Jets and Mattias Janmark had other options too, but a chance to win and to play again with this group meant more to these veterans than chasing money elsewhere.
It speaks to the fact that Edmonton is really a destination for players now that veterans will come here for less money. Even Coach Knoblauch has said that he didn't think those three veterans would be able to return due to the salary cap.
"I thought we were going to get probably one of the three back. I thought we would be lucky if we got two of the three.And they enjoy being in Edmonton. They could have gone to other teams, good teams that would have paid them more, but they chose Edmonton."
- Coach Kris Knoblauch
It's very possible that this trio of veteran forwards ends up playing as a like through much of this year. Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark were a menacing duo late on the playoffs last year, and with a great 200 foot centreman like Henrique in the middle, that line will be able to go up against any other line in the league.
The Edmonton Oilers have 14 days remaining before their regular season begins at home against the Winnipeg Jets.
