Tralmaks Stays in North America, Joins Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have announced the signing of Latvian forward Eduards Tralmaks to a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $850,000.

Last season, Tralmaks was under contract with the Detroit Red Wings organization but did not make his NHL debut, although he was called up and even warmed up before one game. He spent most of the season with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins, recording 26 goals and 16 assists for 42 points in 64 games, along with 14 penalty minutes and a plus-29 rating.

In February, Tralmaks represented Latvia at the Milan Olympics, and in May he joined the national team for the World Championship. Previously, there were reports suggesting Tralmaks might sign in Czechia and return to Europe, but that plan has been postponed as he pursues another chance to fulfill his NHL dream.

Interestingly, in the recent NHL Draft, the Oilers selected another Latvian forward, Rūdolfs Bērzkalns, with the 58th overall pick in the second round. Previously, Latvian players Sergei Žoltoks and Aleksandrs Kerčs have played for the Oilers in the NHL. Last season, Edmonton finished fifth in the Western Conference but lost to the Anaheim Ducks in six games in the first round of the playoffs.