Oilers finally get their draft pick!

More than two weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman John Marino from the Edmonton Oilers in return for a conditional pick. They would receive the 2021 sixth-round pick if Marino signs in Pittsburgh or if the Penguins traded his rights.

The trade was finally completed on Thursday night as the Pens signed Marino to a two-year, entry-level contract. 

The 22-year-old Marino was selected in the sixth round, 154th overall of the the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and collected three goals and 11 points in 33 games for Harvard of the NCAA last season. It’s expected that he’ll conclude his NCAA career with Harvard in 2019-20, but an impressive showing in Penguins training camp could change that. 

“Adding a young defenseman like John to our organization will be very helpful,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said Thursday. “His development was accelerated last year and he became a top-10 defenseman in college hockey, giving himself a chance to play at the NHL level.”

The Oilers will add this pick to their arsenal, though they need of finding ways to add power up front for the upcoming season.