Blackhawks trade starting goalie Petr Mrazek after connection to Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers were previously linked to acquiring Mrazek for an extremely cheap trade price, and perhaps could still explore a cheap goalie trade with the Blackhawks.

According to insider reports, the Blackhawks are trading Mrazek along with depth centreman Craig Smith to acquire Joseph Veleno from Detroit, a former top prospect who's struggling greatly.

The Edmonton Oilers certainly could've met this asking price for Petr Mrazek, but frankly, he was one option on the trade market that wouldn't have been an upgrade at all over Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard. In 33 games this season, Mrazek has a brutal .890 save percentage.

However, the deal to Detroit will give the Red Wings a major surplus of goalies. They looks very likely to move at least one before the deadline is over - perhaps Alex Lyon or a reunion with Cameron Talbot.

The Oilers could still even pursue an option for another goalie on the Blackhawks linked to Edmonton.

GM Stan Bowman signed goaltender Arvid Soderblom as an undrafted free agent when he was with Chicago, and if Edmonton sends Pickard the other way, perhaps there's a fit. Soderblom makes a very manageable $962K salary.

The Oilers goaltending this season has been incredibly inconsistent, marking their biggest relative weakness on their roster. A trade to get even average goaltending should be a necessity for a Cup contending team.

The Oilers have just an hour left to make a final move to upgrade their lineup before the playoffs. Hopefully, they can swing one more trade in the final moments to match the major additions that rival teams have made in the Western conference.