The 23-year-old Bakersfield netminder is outdueling his veteran partner Jack Campbell and could leapfrog him in priority if the Oilers come calling.
You have to feel for Jack Campbell.
Demoted to the American Hockey League following a dreadful five-game run that saw the well-paid starter turned back-up turned AHL backup put up a 4.50 GAA and .873 SP, Campbell has seemingly yielded the Condors' crease to rising 23-year-old Olivier Rodrigue.
Campbell has not featured in the equation for Bakersfield since being pulled following four goals on 17 shots on December 16th against Coachella Valley. Through 10 games in the AHL, the 31-year-old has a 4-6 record with one shutout, a 3.46 GAA and .888 SP, giving up three goals or more in four of his last five appearances.
Conversely, Rodrigue has been a breath of fresh air for Bakersfield.
The second-round draft pick by the Oilers in 2018 is coming off a 29-save victory over the Henderson Silver Knights last night as the Condors produced ample run support for the club to notch a 3-1 win.
Rodrigue moves to 5-2-2 in 23-24 with a sturdy 2.09 GAA and .938 SP. In his past five starts the Chicoutimi native has only allowed more than one goal against twice and more than two goals against once.
The Oilers, riding a tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, could have a mild dilemma on their hands if things go south in the net, or if faced with an absence for injuries or otherwise.
Does the club pull the trigger and bring back the high-priced, NHL-tested veteran in Campbell? Or has Rodrigue - with his admittedly stellar play - done enough to warrant his first taste of NHL action?
For our money, Olivier Rodrigue has firmly passed Jack Campbell on the Edmonton Oilers depth chart.