NHL insider says Oilers won't address their biggest weakness at trade deadline
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The Edmonton Oilers are an all-around dominant team with very average goaltending, and yet, NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes the Oilers won't trade for a goalie at this deadline.
Stuart Skinner has struggled mightily against top 10 teams this season, and Calvin Pickard isn't trusted at all with those matchups. Along with consistency problems, there's major cause for concern going into the playoffs.
Edmonton Oilers will not trade for goaltender this season
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli in a recent edition of the OilersNation Everyday Podcast, trading for a goalie is far down Stan Bowman's list for ways to improve the team.
I haven't got the sense from the Oilers yet as to whether or not (goaltender) is a position they'd like to improve on. My guess would be, having not asked the question, given all the other things we've spoken about on the wishlist, it would probably be a fourth or fifth option.
- Frank Seravalli
- Frank Seravalli
Interestingly enough, the trade market for NHL goaltenders this season seems to be incredibly thin. Rebuilding teams do not have goalies that are interesting to contenders, so the reduced demand around goalies may drive down the price. There could be an expected goalie that is traded, perhaps for a slight perceived overpay.
But with that said, I think this is a really unique year. Because there are so few teams looking for goaltending help, you might be able to add someone who could potentially provide insurance or at least a good feeling for you and your team, with a late to mid-round pick
The major benefit to the Oilers current goalie situation is that although it isn't elite, it's very cheap.
Up tight against the salary cap with their elite players, Skinner and Pickard's low salary is crucial to the Oilers roster construction. However, if Kane is out long term, they'll have some room for trade.
The Oilers offence and defence are both performing near a top 5 level in every ranking, but their goaltending jumps out as a major weakness. It would be a significant risk to enter the playoffs with such obviously weak goaltending, but the Oilers seem intent on doing so.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 6 | 362 ANSWERS NHL insider says Oilers won't address their biggest weakness at trade deadline Do you think the Oilers should trade for a goalie? | ||
| Yes | 264 | 72.9 % |
| No | 98 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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