The Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon agreed to a two-year contract with the University of North Dakota forward Drake Caggiula, a top NCAA free agent.
Caggiula's signing was first reported Friday night by TSN's Frank Seravalli, who reported earlier Friday it was believed Caggiula narrowed his list down to Edmonton and Vancouver.
As many as seven teams courted the 21-year-old, including the Flyers, who reportedly hosted Caggiula during Game 3 of their first-round playoff series loss to the Capitals.
Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol recruited Caggiula to North Dakota, where he played under Hakstol for his first three seasons. In his senior season, Caggiula helped UND to a national championship, registering 25 goals and 51 points in 39 games.
Because of the North Dakota connection, there was speculation the Flyers were among the favorites to land the 5-foot-10 forward who plays both center and left wing, but Caggiula opted for a situation where he'll be guaranteed playing time.
It's possible he'll play alongside Calder Trophy finalist Connor McDavid with the Oilers, where had he signed with the Flyers, he would have had to earn a spot in training camp.
The terms of Caggiula's contract were not announced by the Oilers.
Philadelphia Flyers
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-CSNPhilly.com's Tom Dougherty
Kane, Benn, Crosby Hart Trophy finalists
NEW YORK -- Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins are the finalists for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP.
The finalists were announced Saturday. The winner will be announced June 22 during the 2016 NHL Awards in Las Vegas.
Kane became the first U.S.-born player to lead the league in scoring. His 46 goals, 60 assists and 106 points are career highs.
Crosby rebounded from the worst start of his career to put up 76 points in his final 62 games and help get the Penguins into the playoffs. Pittsburgh's captain, who finished with 36 goals and 49 assists, has been named MVP twice before, in 2013-14 and 2006-07.
Benn finished second to Kane in the scoring race with 89 points on 41 goals and 48 assists. He led the Stars to their first division title since 2006.
-The Associated Press
