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Insider reveals Oilers top goalie trade target, and why the trade never happened
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers were reportedly pursuing a goalie trade for Karel Vejmelka at the trade deadline, but the deal obviously never materialized.
Vejmelka was the best fit for the Oilers to come in as a pending free agent and act as a tandem with Stuart Skinner, and even though management denied it, insiders now are reporting there was traction on a trade.
Edmonton Oilers primary goalie trade target at deadline was Utah's Karel Vejmelka
According to new article from Oilers insider Jim Matheson, Edmonton was very interested in acquiring Vejmelka, but Utah made a decision to keep their goaltender.
I believe they seriously investigated Karel Vejmelka in Utah but Utah, knowing they needed him for their playoff run and with the recent news that Connor Ingram has entered the NHL's Player Assistance program, was in negotiations to resign him.
- Jim Matheson
- Jim Matheson
Utah is deep at the goaltending position with Vejmelka, Ingram, and Jaxson Stauber ready to jump to the NHL.
They may have been able to move Vejmelka, but Matheson suggests knowledge of Connor Ingram entering the Player Assistance Program may have led Utah to deciding to keep Vejmelka instead.
The fact the Oilers seriously investigated Vejmelka as a trade options implies they know they needed a trade to upgrade their crease - but the circumstances just didn't line up.
Oilers did not see John Gibson as reliable option for the price tag
The other option on the trade market was John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. According to Matheson, Gibson's spotty injury history kept the Oilers from making a move.
I don't believe the Oilers were sold on an acquisition of Ducks' John Gibson, maybe because he can't stay healthy, never mind his contract at $6.4 million which would have needed a 50 per cent retention in a trade
It's unfortunate the Oilers weren't able to swing a trade to upgrade their goaltending at the deadline, but the conditions in the trade market just didn't seem to be there.
Hopefully come the offseason, more starting goalie shake loose and become available in trade.
| POLL | ||
MARS 11 | 761 ANSWERS Insider reveals Oilers top goalie trade target, and why the trade never happened Do you think the Oilers will get a goalie this offseason? | ||
| Yes | 597 | 78.4 % |
| No | 164 | 21.6 % |
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