The Edmonton Oilers could explore the trade market to alleviate their goaltending woes.
Paging all capable goaltenders, the Edmonton Oilers are in need of your services. Right now the goalies in the organization are not good enough. Could either of Calvin Pickard or Olivier Rodrigue be called up to help? If they only needed a back up goalie, then sure.
"Something is in the water" here with the Oilers. I remain optimistic that the skaters have woken up (to a degree) after the heated loss last night. The goalies? I'm less sure about them. Here are the three goalies that could be acquired for a reasonable price but also have a track record to play 50+ games in a season.
Also please note, all of this is speculation and I'm simply trying to see if there is a fit somewhere.
John Gibson
The least attractive option for the Oilers to pursue would be John Gibson. He's had a rocky last few years - but six of his nine seasons previous to this one he's started at least 50 games.
For the 2023-24 season he's played in six games sporting a 2-3-0 record. Along with that he has a 2.67 goals against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage (SV%).
The biggest impediment on a Gibson acquisition is his $6.4-million cap hit. That's way more money than the Oilers can afford to take on - and it's for three more seasons after this one. Jack Campbell would have to be sent out with the Anaheim Ducks retaining salary to make this work. They may need to add an additional piece from each side for this "change of scenery" deal.
Jake Allen
Jake Allen might be the best option for the Oilers. He is providing the Montreal Canadiens with excellent netminding to begin the year.
With a 3-1-1 record, 2.72 GAA and a .927 SV% Allen is playing some excellent hockey this year. The last time he had numbers this good was his last season with the St. Louis Blues, four seasons ago.
His $3.85-million contract runs till the end of next year. I imagine a package of Campbell and a good AHL-level player/prospect/3rd or 2nd round pick might be enough to make this happen.
Marc-Andre Fleury
If Ken Holland is the one to make a trade for a goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury seems most likely to line up with what Holland looks for. He has better stats than the Oilers goalies (2.83 GAA, .893 SV%), is cheaper than Campbell ($3.5-million) and has started at least 50 games in nine of his 16 seasons previous to this year.
Fleury blocked a trade to the Oilers two seasons ago when he was with the Chicago Blackhawks. Holland also loves to acquire players who have a "record book that speaks for itself." Fleury has a Vezina Trophy, William Jennings Trophy and three Stanley Cups.
Acquiring an upgrade in net is just one of the solutions that needs to be addressed in order for the Oilers to become competitive again.
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