11/19/2003
The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenceman Steve Staios to a contract extension.
The 30 year old has agreed to a three year deal worth $7.050-million. Staios was scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Staios will see his salary for this season increased from $1.1 million US to $1.9 million US. In the remaining tenure of the deal, Staios' salary will be $1.95 million US in 2004-05 and $2.15 million US in the final two years.
"Steve is the kind of player every team needs when they are assembling a championship contender, and that's what we are trying to do here," said Oilers GM Kevin Lowe. "It is very important that we keep quality athletes and people in our organization. He is an outstanding leader, he plays a gritty, in-your-face game, and he also contributes to our offence."
In 18 games this season, Staios had two goals and eight points for the Oilers and he leads the team in leads ice time, averaging 25:23"I can't even put into words how much I wanted this to happen," said Staios. "My family and I love this city and this team, and I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure this team fulfill its potential."
Staios is in his third season with the Oilers after signing as an unrestricted free agent following two seasons in Atlanta.
In his first season, he was named the team's Unsung Hero, and then last season, he was named the Oilers' candidate for the Bill Masterton Trophy, and then was voted the team's Outstanding Defenceman Award by the Edmonton media. He capped last year off by winning a gold medal with Canada at the World Championships in Finland.
I was quite happy since the day he joined the Oiler organization and I think he has been a solid asset to the club. Good move on K-Lowe securing him for a few more years.
Was he left unprotected in the expansion draft in '99? Is that how the Thrashers got him from the Canucks?
Drafted by St. Louis in the second round (27th overall) in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Staios was dealt to Boston with Kevin Sawyer in exchange for Steve Leach before skating a shift for the Blues. He made his debut in a Bruins sweater March 21, 1996 at Ottawa, while also skating in 11 other NHL games that season. A versatile player, who can play right wing or defense, Staios scored his first goal Dec. 21, 1996 against Washington. He was selected by Vancouver off waivers on March 18, 1997, and scooped up by Atlanta in the 1999 NHL Expansion Draft. After scoring nine goals and adding 13 assists in 2001-02, Staios signed with the Edmonton Oilers.
-- Chris Carlson
Oilers sign Staios to extension
Oilers sign Staios to extension
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