Oilers sign Lupul for 3 years

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed forward Joffrey Lupul — the key piece in this summer's Chris Pronger swap.

Lupul's contract is worth $6.935 million US over three seasons. The right-winger was a restricted free agent.

"I can focus on training camp and not the contract situation," Lupul said. "Now I cannot wait to get there."

Lupul, who turns 23 next week, recorded 28 goals and 25 assists in 81 games for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks last season during his second NHL campaign.

He also tallied nine goals and two assists over 16 post-season games with Anaheim.

"He has security," said Peter Semonick, Lupul's agent. "In exchange, he may be giving up a little more upside."

"I think we both feel comfortable that, if he scores between 25 and 40 goals, there's not too big a swing either way," Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe said.

Lupul, an Edmonton native, was the seventh overall selection in the 2002 NHL draft.

He was traded to his hometown Oilers as part of a major off-season trade on July 3.

"This is a good deal for our organization," Lowe said. "It's more than reflective of the market and we know he's going to wear the No. 15 well."

"I have had this jersey on plenty of times," Lupul said. "I was at the games watching the Oilers play the Dallas Stars in those playoff years.

"But it feels pretty good to have it on, with my number on my back, and to know that I'm going to be wearing it for the next three years."

The Ducks received an elite NHL blue-liner in Pronger. In return, the Oilers picked up Lupul, defenceman Ladislav Smid and some early-round draft picks.

Pronger had asked to be dealt out of Edmonton.