Oilers say Nylander agreed to deal

Jul 3, 2007, 23:30 GMT

Edmonton, AB - One day after center Michael Nylander signed a four-year contract with the Washington Capitals, the Edmonton Oilers have disclosed that Nylander had first agreed with them on a multi-year contract.

The Oilers said in a statement on Tuesday that general manager Kevin Lowe and Nylander's agent Mike Gillis negotiated and agreed upon a contract on Sunday, going as far as sending the signed contract to Nylander to ink. Also, according to the Oilers, Gillis confirmed the contract in writing.

Then, thinking they had Nylander signed, the Oilers started to talk to other free agents. However, the Oilers found out on Monday through the public announcement that Nylander signed with the Capitals.

According to the statement, the Oilers are examining and pursuing every course of action available in the best interest of the team and our fans.

The Oilers can find no precedent for such conduct in their history.

Nylander, 34, posted career highs in goals (26), assists (57) and points (83) in 79 games for the New York Rangers last season.

A third-round choice of the Hartford Whalers in 1991, Nylander will be making his second stop in Washington. He also played with the team after being acquired from Chicago on November 1, 2002 until being dealt to Boston on March 4, 2004.

In 808 games over 13 seasons, he has recorded 189 goals and 420 assists while lacing the skates for Hartford, Calgary, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Washington, Boston and New York.

© 2007 The Sports Network