Oilers announce 3 additions to their hockey operations department

The Edmonton Oilers have made a lot of key moves in recent months. This includes the additions of the likes of Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Vasily Podkolzin, Ty Emberson and Travis Dermott.

However, it's not just on the ice that the Oilers have been making moves. As confirmed by the team, they have made three additions to their hockey operations department.

The three additions in question, are Tobias Salmelainen, Andreas Karlsson and Vincent Malts. Salmelainen's role is Player Acquisition and Development in Europe, Karlsson is Player Development Coach, and Malts is Mental Performance and Player Development Coach.

Invaluable NHL experience

Of the three, Karlsson is probably the most recognisable among fans. He spent five seasons in the NHL with the then Atlanta Thrashers and Tampa Bay Lightning, player 264 regular season games and another six contests in the playoffs.

The 49-year-old played 19 years of professional hockey in total. His career highlight was arguably winning a gold medal in 2006 at the IIHF World Championships, with Sweden.

After retiring, Karlsson turned his hand to coaching. His experience includes spells as head coach of Frolunda's Under-20s Hockey Club and then as assistant coach position in the OHL for six combined seasons, with the Kitchener Rangers, Hamilton Bulldogs and Brantford Bulldogs.

Varied and important experience in the game

Turning to Salmelainen, he brings a wealth of experience as a player, executive, agent and most recently as a general manager, in Finland. In this respect, he will be based in Helsinki, Finland for the Oilers, working with their prospects playing around Europe.

As for Malts, he also has varied experience, as a player, scout and coach. Of specific importance and relevance, his role with the Oilers comes after previous spells in similar positions elsewhere as a mental performance coach.

As general manager Stan Bowman looks to prove his worth and improve the Oilers organisation, he sees the trio as pivotal in this respect. He said: "I’m excited about the additions of Tobias, Andreas and Vincent. Player development is critical to our long-term success and this kind of investment is an important step."

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