Free agent goalie market razor thin for Edmonton Oilers this summer
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
It appears that the goalie market in free agency is razor thin this summer for the Edmonton Oilers as many feel the team need that upgrade going into next year.
This situation was worsened as Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen had signed a one-year deal with the Hurricanes which leaves 12 goaltenders on the open market who have played more than 10 games this year.
Marquee goalie names not existent on UFA market
This summers goalie market does not hold many marquee goalie names as 34-year-old Jake Allen remains at the top of the list where he holds a current cap of $3.85 million.
Other goalies who are on that list include James Reimer, Alex Lyon, Calgary Flames goalie Daniel Vladar and Alexander Georgiev.
Many of these goaltenders are not ideal and would not be considered an upgrade as the Oilers still have Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner for next season.
This past season, both Pickard and Skinner had seen their numbers drop over the course of the year and are now below .900 in this playoff with Pickard taking over the mantel of starting goaltender.
The Oilers had their chances to trade for a goaltender at the NHL trade deadline as many felt that John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks was the fit that was meant to happen.
There were even reports that Gibson was willing to waive his no movement clause to head to the Oilers as the team would give him the best chance to win who need a goaltender at the time.
That trade failed to materialize, and Gibson remains an Anaheim Duck.
Pickard and the Oilers prepare for Game 1 of the second round
The stage is all set for the second round for the Oilers as they prepared to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Pickard Will likely start game one as Skinner has yet to prove but he can break from his slump and when a playoff game.
Both teams will bring a very physical aspect to their game and the Oilers now appear to be one of the highest hitting teams in the NHL after being the lowest hitting team throughout the season.
That aggressive play will be needed as the Golden Knights are big and ready to fight which means the Oilers may need to get out of their comfort zone and prepare for some high hitting play.
The NHL will be releasing the date soon for Game 1 of this upcoming round. In the meantime, the Oilers just continued to rest, heal their wounds and get the practice in.
| POLL | ||
MAI 3 | 910 ANSWERS Free agent goalie market razor thin for Edmonton Oilers this summer Do you think the Oilers make a major change in goal next season ? | ||
| Yes | 820 | 90.1 % |
| No | 90 | 9.9 % |
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