Report: Philip Larsen spurns Oilers, signs KHL deal with HC Yugra
The Edmonton Oilers have lost their third defenseman to the Kontinental Hockey League with Philip Larsen reportedly opting for greener pastures at HC Yugra, per the Edmonton Journal.
The 24-year-old was featured sparingly by Dallas Eakins, cracking the lineup on just 30 occasions and registering 12 points.
The undersized blue liner followed the lead of former Oiler teammates Anton Belov and Dennis Grebeshkov, who signed KHL deals with SKA St. Petersburg and Vityaz Podolsk, respectively.
Due for restricted free agency, Larsen was originally drafted 149th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2008 and was acquired by Edmonton in the Shawn Horcoff deal.
Larsen's decision should help Edmonton's young defenseman - Darnell Nurse, Oscar Klefbom and Martin Marincin - in their pursuit to break camp with the big club next season.