NHL insider links Oilers to making cheap trade for young promising goalie

The Oilers have now been linked to DiPietro by multiple NHL insiders, with the caveat that he may be available on waivers to start next season. When there's this much reports around one player, a move usually isn't far behind.

Jeff Marek has likened the Bruins' situation with DiPietro to that of the Canucks with Arturs Silovs. Boston will need to trade DiPietro for a cheap return, or they'll lose him for nothing on waivers.

If the Bruins place DiPietro on waivers, the Oilers will be one of the very last teams to be able to place a claim on him. The Oilers could offer a trade to Boston instead, and forego the risk of waivers.

DiPietro is a former third round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks in 2017, and has emerged as one of the top AHL goalies in the last 2 seasons. At 26 years old, he looks ready to make the jump to the NHL.

Arturs Sillvs has significantly more NHL experience, and only went for a 4th round pick and a prospect in trade. Edmonton likely could pay less than that to acquire DiPietro.

With a $812K cap hit for the next two seasons, DiPietro is younger, has a higher ceiling, and is cheaper than Calvin Pickard. The Oilers can't afford to pass up another opportunity to take a chance to upgrade their goaltending, especially at such a low cost.