NHL insider confirms new goalie will be coming to Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers chose not to make a trade to upgrade their goaltending at the trade deadline this season, but new reports from Oilers insiders guarantee an addition will arrive before next season.
Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman recently justified his decision not to trade for a goalie, stressing that the defence needs to improve their level of play.
NHL Insiders guarantee Oilers will acquire goaltender this offseason
On yesterday's edition of Oilers Now, insiders Bob Stauffer and Frank Seravalli were in agreement that the team will be adding another goalie this offseason - preferably, a proven 1B.
SERAVALLI: I think it would also be a mistake to go into next season and not provide the tandem with more support.
STAUFFER: I know for a fact they're going to do that.
SERAVALLI: Well, an organizational number 3 is not what you just broadcast. How about just a bona fide NHL goalie?
STAUFFER: I know for a fact they're going to do that.
SERAVALLI: Well, an organizational number 3 is not what you just broadcast. How about just a bona fide NHL goalie?
Stauffer seemed to suggest the add would come from outside the organization, not their AHL prospect Olivier Rodrigue.
The two insiders continue to discuss the thin market of available starting goaltenders this season that may force the Oilers into picking up a reclamation project for their goaltending add.
However, as Seravalli right points out, value can be found in the goalie reclamation bin. Goalies like Anthony Stolarz, Joey Daccord, and Mackenzie Blackwood are examples of goalies that have broken out with new teams.
There will be some options that the Oilers could target in free agency on cheaper contracts to serve as a tandem for Skinner.
Jake Allen, Dan Vladar, Dan Rittich, and James Reimer are career backups that are projected UFAs this offseason. Some less proven options or struggling young players that could fit the reclamation bill would be Alexander Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, Alex Lyon, or Anton Forsberg.
Oilers will look to Stuart Skinner to backstop back to Cup Final
Whoever it is, adding a goaltender in the offseason is an absolute necessity for the Edmonton Oilers.
They're a Stanley Cup contending team, even when ranking 26th in team save percentage. A real upgrade in net would make the Oilers a dominant team from front to back.
Some help will be coming next season, but for now, fans will rally around their hometown starter Stuart Skinner to find his game and keep it up for the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
MARS 18 | 498 ANSWERS NHL insider confirms new goalie will be coming to Edmonton Oilers Should the Oilers go after reclamation project for a goalie next season? | ||
| Yes, try to find a value signing | 209 | 42 % |
| No, go for a proven goalie | 289 | 58 % |
| List of polls | ||
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