The Edmonton Oilers appear to have discovered their confidence after beginning the season like a group with no chemistry and no expertise. One in every of their important points has been their less-than-stellar goaltending.
Their anticipated starter, Jack Campbell, was despatched all the way down to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Nov. 8 after a tough begin and hasn’t been a lot better. Whereas Stuart Skinner hasn’t been at his finest, he has been robust sufficient to maintain the beginning job for the foreseeable future, however the Oilers’ total goaltending worries have opened up doable commerce conversations.
Associated: Oilers’ Gamers Imagine They Let Jack Campbell Down
Throughout the “Saturday Headlines” phase of Hockey Night time in Canada over the weekend, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Oilers are actively exploring the goalie market and have proven curiosity within the Montreal Canadiens’ trio of goaltenders. Whereas Friedman didn’t consider a deal was imminent, he talked about the logjam in internet might drive the Canadiens to maneuver one in all them as Cayden Primeau, Sam Montembault, and Jake Allen can all play on the NHL degree, however can’t gown each night time.
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The Oilers fell 6-4 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday (Nov. 19) afternoon. Whereas it was a detailed recreation, they outshot the Lightning 43-24 and nonetheless misplaced by two. Many followers have been fast to level the finger at Skinner, and for the primary time, it might have been justified even when any goalie can have an off night time. Sadly, the Oilers can’t afford to attend and see if Skinner can discover the arrogance he had final season. They should discover a answer quick.
Who’s The Habs Trio & Who Would Be The Greatest Choice?
Allen and Montembault have every performed eight video games, whereas Primeau has solely appeared in three. In these eight video games, Allen has a .907 save proportion (SV%) and a 3.54 goals-against common (GAA), whereas Montembault has a .908 SV% with a 2.78 GAA. In three video games, Primeau has a .885 SV% and a 3.97 GAA. Whereas all of them have been respectable, none of their stats stand out because the doable beginning goalie who may clear up the Oilers’ points.
Primeau is the youngest of the three at 24 years previous, Montembault is three years older at 27, and Allen is the veteran of the group at 33. If the Oilers are searching for an answer this season, the logical selection could be to inquire about Allen who hasn’t been one of the best goalie for the Habs this season however has been stronger than each Skinner and Campbell and could possibly be the Oilers’ starter to complete out the season.
A duo of Allen and Skinner could be ultimate. Nevertheless, there are a couple of points with bringing in Allen, together with his cap hit and dealing round his modified no-trade clause. His cap hit of $3.85 million via the 2024-25 season is reasonably priced, however the Oilers don’t have any cash to work with, so that they must be keen to maneuver some contracts to suit him underneath the cap. Ideally, they’d transfer Cody Ceci and Vincent Desharnais, and that ought to make the cash work, assuming Allen is desirous about enjoying in Edmonton.
What’s Subsequent For The Oilers?
The Oilers are again in motion on Monday (Nov. 20) in a battle with the Florida Panthers. Skinner will seemingly get the beginning, however I’m assuming Calvin Pickard will get his alternative quickly sufficient, particularly if Campbell continues to battle within the AHL. Nevertheless, the Oilers should make a transfer for a goalie sooner fairly than later in the event that they hope to seek out their manner out of the outlet they’ve dug for themselves this season.
