The time for waiting is over, the Edmonton Oilers need to make a trade in net.
The Edmonton Oilers are in a hole very early into the season. To prevent the season from slipping away there needs to be a change. The general manager and head coach are going to be the last ones to go, which leaves a trade.
Both goalies have an abysmal high danger save percentage. Jack Campbell with .684% and Stuart Skinner with .533%. The league average right now is .782%.
In order to make a trade happen one of Campbell or Skinner would need to be moved. Skinner's $2.6-million contract would be easier to trade away. He has the higher potential, but with cap restraints affecting many teams this would be the easier deal to make.
For this exercise, I'll suggest three goalies with similar cap hits to Skinner who are around league average for high danger save percentage.
Dan Vladar
Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames was involved in trade rumors earlier in the season. The Flames have budding goaltender prospect Dustin Wolf seemingly ready to take the leap to the NHL.
Vladar has a .800 high danger save percentage. To go along with that, he has a two-year $2.2-million cap hit. He's allowed nine goals in two games - one was a 4-3 win and the other a 6-2 loss.
Because of his 4.51 goals against average (GAA) and .842 overall save percentage (SV%) the cost of acquisition is likely lower than other options. If Skinner is dealt elsewhere to free up space I'd expect Philip Broberg plus a sweetener to go to the Pacific Division rival.
Eric Comrie
The Buffalo Sabres have three solid goaltenders on their roster. Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are young budding goalies with bright futures. Depending on how this season goes for the Sabres they will keep at least one of them long term.
They also have 28-year old veteran Eric Comrie. He's in the final year of a $1.8-million cap hit contract. He has a .857 high danger SV%. Overall on the season he has a 2.00 GAA and a .923 SV%.
Broberg plus a 2nd round pick feels like a starting point. I wouldn't expect the Oilers to trade a first rounder unless the asset coming back has term left on their contract.
Kaapo Kahkonen
Mackenzie Blackwood has established himself as the starter for the San Jose Sharks. In light of this, Kaapo Kahkonen seems like a logical target for the Oilers. A former Minnesota Wild draft pick, Kahkonen is in the final year of a contract with a $2.75-million cap hit.
Despite sporting a 0-2 record with a 3.60 GAA and a .897 SV% he has some other surprising stats. Kahkonen has a .920 high danger SV%. His .688 mid range SV% raises concerns though.
Regardless, acquiring Kahkonen may cost the Oilers a similar price as Vladar would - Broberg plus a sweetener.
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