2010 NHL Free Agency: Oilers sign Ryan O’Marra

The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Ryan O’Marra to a one-year deal today, according to TSN.

The Tokyo, Japan native was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the 1st round, 15th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by Edmonton in 2007 with Robert Nilsson and a 1st round pick in exchange for Ryan Smyth.

In 175 AHL games he has 42 points (19G, 23A).

Well, when you get a chance to sign a forward from the hockey hotbed of Tokyo, Japan, you just have to do it. (OK, he moved to Canada when he was one years old ... but still.)

O’Marra played his first three NHL games last season, putting up one assist. The 23-year-old won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2004 under 18 Junior World Cup. The team has quite the youth movement building this summer, so O’Marra will need to keep fighting to earn playing time with the big club.