Oilers analyst Preston Hodgkinson recently dove into the list of potentially available NHL goalies for trade, and produced 7 candidates for trade.
The first two candidates are ones that have been publicly connected to the Oilers already. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks would reportedly waive his no-trade clause to join Edmonton, and San Jose Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood could be available and a quality option for a cheaper salary.
The rest of the candidates are Dan Vladar, Vitek Vanecek, Alex Lyon, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Chris Driedger.
Outside of the first two candidates, the rest are squarely backups that may not provide a significant upgrade over Calvin Pickard.
The best of the bunch are Flames backup Dan Vladar, currently with a .905 save percentage, and Alex Lyon of the Red Wings with a .911. Both the Flames and Red Wings are actually relying on the goalies as part of their starting tandems, so even they may be reluctant to trade.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also reportedly floating their goaltenders in trade talks this season.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos reported today the Leafs could move on from either of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll - Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby have been waived in trade talks too.
Earlier this week, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the Oilers will be sticking to Stuart Skinner as their starter this year.
The Oilers may be reluctant to make a goalie trade now, but if they continue to be at the bottom of the NHL, a trade will have to happen. A cup contending team simply can't have goaltending this far below league average.
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