Edmonton Oilers send multiple scouts to evaluate goalie on Eastern team

The Oilers have already added Connor Ingram in trade this season, but he's a while away from making an NHL appearance. Edmonton is aggressively looking to improve their team this year, which will start with their biggest weakness of goaltending.

According to Columbus insider Aaron Portzline, the Blue Jackets press box was packed with NHL scouts - with the Oilers sending the most including a goalie scout.

In tonight's game, Columbus is starting Elvis Merzlikins while the Golden Knights are starting Akira Schmid. Both could be possible trade targets for the Oilers.

Merzlikins has been raised in trade rumours in previous seasons as the Blue Jackets remain at the bottom of the NHL.

However, he's hasn't posted a save percentage above .900 in the last three seasons, and comes with a cap hit of $5.4M. He's an established goalie with 245 career games, but trading for Merzlikins would be incredibly risky for the Oilers.

The Vegas Golden Knights have now signed Carter Hart to form a tandem with Adin Hill, which could make Akira Schmid a trade target as well.

The 25 year old Swiss goaltender has posted a .904 career save percentage in just 50 games, and looks to be ready to break into the NHL full time. Under contract for just $875K this season, he may be a more realistic trade target for the Oilers.

It's interesting to see the Oilers are still aggressively looking at goaltending options even after trading for Connor Ingram. The front office is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup this year.