Edmonton Oilers forward Gilbert Brule has raised eyebrows his with his strong start to the season. (Jimmy Jeong/Getty Images)Edmonton Oilers forward Gilbert Brule has raised eyebrows his with his strong start to the season. (Jimmy Jeong/Getty Images)

The Edmonton Oilers have given restricted free agent forward Gilbert Brule a two-year contract, the club announced on Tuesday.

Brule, 23, was rewarded after the best season of his NHL career. He was second on the Oilers with 17 goals and third with 37 points, in 65 games.

"Gilbert made a big step last year in his development," general manager Steve Tambellini said in a statement. "We are excited to have him here in Edmonton and look forward to his continued contribution to the team."

The Edmonton native came to the Oilers in an offseason trade in 2008 that saw Raffi Torres head to Columbus.

The Blue Jackets selected Brule sixth overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft, just after Carey Price and ahead of the likes of Marc Staal, Devin Setoguchi and Anze Kopitar.

Financial details were not released by the club. Brule had filed for salary arbitration.