Fri Apr 11 14:01:57 2008

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Oilers sign Gilbert to six-year deal

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Edmonton, AB (Sports Network) - The Edmonton Oilers have locked up defenseman Tom Gilbert with a six-year contract that will take him through the 2013-14 season.

Gilbert had an outstanding rookie season for the Oilers, finishing eighth on the club and first among defensemen with 33 points. He scored 13 goals and added 20 assists while playing all 82 games.

The 25-year-old native of Bloomington, Minnesota set two Edmonton rookie scoring records. His 13 goals broke the old mark of nine for a first-year defenseman, set first in 1980-81 by Paul Coffey and matched in 2003-04 by Marc-Andre Bergeron. Coffey's rookie defenseman mark of 32 points in 1980-81 was also topped by Gilbert.

Edmonton failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs this season, enabling Gilbert to play for the United States at the upcoming World Championship.