Hey, folks, gather ’round, let’s talk about the Oilers and their goalie circus. They’re off to a stellar 5-10-1 start, and their goaltending coach, well, let’s just say he’s not getting Christmas cards from the fans. As each week passes on a new name is added to the list of potential trade targets for Edmonton. Sadly though, the Oilers will have to settle for one of the following:
- A massive overpay (meaning a big name heading out)
- A trade for a goalie that isn’t going to really move the needle (that might also be an overpay)
- Do nothing and ride the season out
This can’t be all on the goalies, can it? They’re not the ones allowing the cross-ice passes and high-danger chances to occur, that blame belongs to the skaters. Shouldn’t the club be investigating some upgrades to other areas of the roster too?
3C is looking very weak so far. Ryan McLeod is not progressing at all. I saw a twitter proposal of him for Sean Monohan that I didn’t mind.
I still think that Nurse doesn’t have the right partner yet and Bouchard is getting eaten alive in Edmonton. The media in that town simply cannot help themselves when it comes to offensive-minded dmen. Ceci started okay but that’s not good enough anymore.
I mean, I really feel like they should be spreading that offense right down the roster. Could they deal foegele for picks or prospects and use that money to sign Kessel so that Leon has a partner with some skill on his line? Edmonton could run 97/19, 29/81,91/93, and then finally have the ability to come at their opponents in waves like Woodcroft always wanted.
Ugh! I’m pretty skeptical that the club can punch its way out of this wet bag and force itself into the playoffs right now but the reality is the Pacific isn’t really teeming with great teams aside from LA and Vegas. I think a valid question is going to be if Vancouver will be able to hold onto this massive heater they’re on for the whole year. If they slip up and the Oilers catch fire… Edmonton could very well sneak into a wildcard spot.
867-530-Nine Goalies to Consider
Saros, the Jackpot Hunt: Jusse Saros in Nashville is the jackpot, but also a unicorn. With a hefty price tag, it’s like Oilers eyeing the last piece of chocolate cake at the buffet. Do you think Nashville is going to look at Edmonton and say, “Hey! I’d love to go through that for a couple of years while we wait for Askarov to be ready.”? Furthermore, the cost for Saros probably starts at Draisaitl because they need a star to build around.
Vejmelka’s Desert Mirage: Karel Vejmelka in Arizona’s dreaming of better days. Two years at $5.45 million – not bad, Oilers. Frank Seravalli brought his name up yesterday.
Vladar’s Flames Fiasco: Calgary’s doing a garage sale, and Dan Vladar’s in the mix. Sure, his numbers are meh, but past performances are like my old jokes – sometimes they hit. He won’t break the bank, just the Flames’ roster. Lowetide says this is the guy Edmonton should be looking at.
Allen’s Montreal Shuffle: Oilers are peeking at Montreal’s goalie buffet. Jake Allen’s the talk of the town. Montreal won’t touch Campbell’s contract, but a swap of warm bodies might work.
Halak, the Free Spirit: Jaroslav Halak’s out there, a free agent. Not a starter, but a reliable backup. It’s like picking up a decent bottle of wine without spending your retirement savings. Short, sweet, and won’t drain your bank account. Given the Canes just terminated his PTO, it only makes sense that Oilers fans would jump all over this option.
Mrazek’s Chicago Tango: Petr Mrazek’s cap hit is like that pesky in-law, causing issues. But Chicago’s rebuilding, and Mrazek isn’t their future. Oilers might need to sweeten the pot with picks, making it a Chicago-style deal. Deep dish or thin crust, boys? On top of that, I could be wrong but how is the relationship between Holland and Mrazek? I feel like things got a little frosty at the end of the netminder’s tenure in Detroit.
Binnington’s Blues: Jordan Binnington, being tossed around like a hot potato in trade talks. Six million bucks? What is this, a goalie or a Wall Street executive? I’ve seen better deals in a garage sale. And don’t get me started on that AAV thing. It sounds like alphabet soup, and I don’t need a spelling bee to figure out it’s gonna cost the Oilers a fortune. His save percentage is impressive, but let’s not treat him like the second coming of Jacques Plante.
Reimer’s Motor City Blues: James Reimer’s in Detroit, adding some Motown flavor. At 35, he’s not a spring chicken, but hey, age is just a number. Cap hit’s friendly at $1.5 million. Oilers might snag him without going bankrupt. Hmmm, I feel like there might be some tension in the dressing room should the Oilers bring Reimer in. Something about pride tape bla bla bla…
Merzlikin’s Mayhem: Oh, look at this brilliant idea! You got Campbell and Merzlikins, both on the struggle bus, signed up for a four-year misery tour. Now, if Edmonton can sweet-talk Columbus into this change-of-scenery charade, maybe Campbell won’t have to throw in his favorite hockey stick for free.
So, Oilers, pick your poison. Goalie shopping ain’t easy, but it’s the NHL – where cap hits are scarier than Zamboni malfunctions. Good luck, and may the hockey gods be in your favor!
Dave Gagner, Next Oilers GM?
Steve Simmons recently said that Sam Gagner’s dad, Dave, could be the next Oilers GM,
GM Ken Holland will be gone at the end of the season — his call — and I wouldn’t be surprised if Dave Gagner, whose son plays for the Oilers and is another former McDavid associate and a close Jackson friend, is brought in to be Oilers GM.
Oh man! The show never stops in Edmonton! Is it even possible that just one person with a modicum of decision making power in that organization can hire somebody that isn’t a buddy, relative, or former teammate? I’m just waiting for Doug Weight to join the coaching staff, Devan Dubnyk to be named the new goaltending consultant, and the Katz twins to be hired as the new timekeepers.
Read more about it here.
