Young forward makes it official, bolts for KHL

KHL club Ak Bars has announced that it has signed former Edmonton Oilers forward Anton Lander to a two year contract.

The 26 year-old Swede was an unsigned RFA this offseason, so the Oilers will continue to carry his rights even past his KHL agreement should the parties be interested in a return at a later date. While hopes were high for the Oilers’ second round pick (40th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Lander has managed only 10 goals and 25 points in 215 career NHL games. In the AHL however, Lander has been a force of nature. In just 42 games for the Bakersfield Condors in 2016-17, he managed 25 goals and 55 points.

The signing looks to be a shrewd move by Ak Bars. While Lander has yet to experience true NHL success, his AHL numbers hint at some unlocked potential. Look for him to flourish overseas.