Breaking - Edmonton Oilers in Contact With 17-Year NHL Veteran Goalie

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Ryan Hall
November 22, 2023 (9:50)

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The current situation the Oilers find themselves in has become desperate, with the team making numerous changes in recent weeks, including a coaching change, to spur a quick turnaround and get back on a winning track.

This was unexpected for the Oilers, given the preseason hype that surrounded the team. Many pundits believed they were a Cup contender, and the season was anticipated to be one of their best in recent memory.

However, the reality is starkly different. The Oilers have only won five out of 17 games, with a goal differential of -16.

One of their primary challenges is goaltending, with the team struggling to keep the puck out of the net. Despite an excellent preseason, Jack Campbell's performance fell short, leading him to play for the Bakersfield Condors.

General Manager Ken Holland is actively searching across the NHL for potential trades or available goaltenders who could immediately bolster the team.

Recently released from his PTO, 38-year-old goalie Jaroslav Halak, with an illustrious career, is now an unrestricted free agent once again. Halak, who has served as a backup in recent years, might be a viable option to address the Oilers' goaltending issues. The Oilers have been in contact with him, according to reports.

LeBrun on Insider Trading says the Oilers have talked to Jaroslav Halak, although don't read too much into it because the Oilers have been looking into every possible goalie option out there.

Halak has played for eight NHL organizations, with his most recent stint being with the New York Rangers. In 25 games, he achieved a record of 10-9-5, with a 2.7 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage, including one shutout.

The expectation is that Halak could sign a contract at the league minimum, providing Holland with an option that doesn't require giving up any assets except money. Given the Oilers' limited options in terms of trades or salary cap flexibility, this may be their only viable solution.