The Edmonton Oilers on Thursday announced forward Jordan Eberle has signed a six-year, $36 million contract extension with the team.

Eberle, 22, is entering the final season of his three-year entry-level contract. His new deal will take affect with the 2013-14 season and keep him with the club through the 2018-19 season.

Eberle is the second member of the Oilers’ young core to sign a long-term contract recently linemate Taylor Hall signed a seven-year, $42 million extension August 22.

“Obviously I’m pretty excited,” Eberle said on a conference call Thursday. “With Taylor getting his done last week, I was pretty anxious. I’m happy to be an Oiler, and with the direction the team is going, there’s excitement around Edmonton and around our locker room.”

“We’re stating that we want to be here, that we want to be the core guys of this team to help us win.”

Last season, Eberle’s second in the NHL, the right wing led the Oilers in goals (34), assists (42) and points (76). It’s the second straight season he’s led the team in scoring, and he was 15th in the League in goals and points.

“I’m happy for the organization and I’m proud of Jordan because he deserves it,” Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini told the team’s website. “He’s a young man that is totally committed to what we’re trying to accomplish here.”

Eberle and Hall are roommates and close friends off the ice. Eberle said the two talked about signing similar contracts, and the Oilers obliged.

“They’re a huge part of us going forward,” Tambellini said. “I think everybody recognizes that. We’re trying to make sure we solidify the core of this team for some time. To have Jordan and Taylor both locked in for some time with the Oilers feels pretty good.”

Eberle also was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy, with 10 penalty minutes last season. Of the 30 NHL players who scored at least 30 goals, Eberle was one of two to finish with 10 penalty minutes or fewer.

Taken by the Oilers with the 22nd pick of the 2008 NHL Draft, Eberle has 52 goals and 67 assists in 147 games.


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