Chiarelli wants Kris Russell back with Oilers

Peter Chiarelli made it clear Tuesday that unrestricted free-agent defenseman Kris Russell is a player he wants on his roster.

Although Russell only managed one goal and 13 points in a poor 2016-17 campaign, the Oilers general manager complimented the veteran.

"I want to have Kris back. I thought he was really good for our team ... his poise, his skating," Chiarelli said.

It was also announced Tuesday that Oilers defenseman Andrej Sekera has a torn ACL and will be out six-to-nine months.

After Adam Larsson and Oscar Klefbom, Edmonton's back end relies heavily on Sekera, and his injury makes the prospect of retaining Russell more appealing.