NHL insider reports Canadiens may consider goalie trade, Oilers linked

The Oilers goaltending situation has been a hot point of debate this season, with Skinner's inconsistencies and Pickard struggling massively. Edmonton needs at least one new goalie on the roster for the playoffs, and Montreal could be their trade partner.

According to a recent report from NHL insider David Pagnotta, the strong play of the Canadiens tandem could allow them to trade from a position of strength - and push for a deeper playoff run this year.

29 year old Samuel Montembeault now has 217 games of NHL experience, and is signed with an affordable cap hit of $3.125M until the 2026-27 season.

The last three years Montembeault has posted above a .900 save percentage, and even made Team Canada at 4 Nations. This year though, he's been struggling with an .858 save percentage in 11 games.

Jacob Dobes is the younger goaltender at 24 years old, and is breaking into the NHL with great success after emerging as a top prospect. In 24 NHL games this year and last, he has an impressive .906 save percentage. He's only owed $965K in salary.

Either one of these goaltenders would be a great option to step in and form a tandem with Skinner in Edmonton.

The only issue for the Oilers completing this kind of deal is the return. The Canadiens will surely be looking for a piece that can immediately help them win, while the Oilers may be reluctant to part ways with those assets.

The Habs could use a left shot defenceman, and the Oilers have former-Canadien Brett Kulak on an expiring contract. There could one a path to a trade.

We'll see in the next few months if the Oilers decide to finally make a move to upgrade their crease, and if Montreal will be their top target.