Dineen, a 24-year-old left-handed defenseman, was acquired by the Oilers in March from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for center Nick Bjugstad. He was selected by the Coyotes in the third round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
During the last season, Dineen played for both Arizona and Edmonton's AHL affiliates, the Tucson Roadrunners and Bakersfield Condors. He managed to score 11 goals and 36 assists for a total of 47 points in 69 games played with these teams, in addition to providing seven assists in 34 NHL games with the Arizona Coyotes.
Dineen was eligible for Group VI unrestricted free agency this offseason, as he is 24 years old and has played in three or more professional seasons but fewer than 80 NHL games. The Oilers have made a low-risk move by re-signing Dineen, securing a young defenseman with some remaining potential on an affordable contract. While he is expected to start the season in the AHL, Dineen has demonstrated the ability to be a reliable call-up option for the Oilers if needed.
Although Dineen has shown great promise in the AHL offensively, he will need to develop his defensive skills if he wants to become a regular in the NHL. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Dineen may not be the biggest defenseman, but he is agile and has solid puck-handling abilities.
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