The Edmonton Oilers have signed free agent forward Joseph Gambardella to a two-year entry level contract, effective for the 2017-18 season.

Gambardella, 23, has appeared in 41 games with the NCAA's University of Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks in the Hockey East conference this season, registering 52 points (18G, 34A) and 22 penalty minutes. An undrafted free agent, Gambardella tied for fourth in Hockey East scoring this season.

Gambardella won the Walter Brown Award this season, given annually since 1953 to the top American born college player in New England. He is the first player from UMass-Lowell to win this award.

The 5'10", 200-pound forward has accumulated 129 points (47G, 82A) and 38 penalty minutes in 151 career NCAA games in four seasons with UMass-Lowell.

The Staten Island, New York native also played two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Des Moines Buccaneers, recording 45 points (19G, 26A) and 28 penalty minutes in 79 games.