Edmonton Oilers have found an elite starting goalie
As Oilers management continues to canvas the NHL for a replacement starting goaltender, it seems that they've had their answer hiding in plain sight.
Olivier Rodrigue has been having a fantastic season with the Bakersfield Condors and has put himself has the number one goaltender in the depth chart.
Though his sample size is less than others within the AHL, his trend is heading up rapidly with a .935 save percentage in nine games played along with 2.22 goals against average and a record of 4-2-2.
The 23-year-old who stands at six foot one and 174 lbs was drafted by the Oilers in 2018, in the second round, 62nd overall. He's had a few accolades to his name already including the QMAAA Best Goalie prospect in 2016, the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Gold Medal in 2018 and the U20 World Junior Championship gold medal in 2020.
With the schedule lightening up for the month of January with only 11 games on deck, I feel it would be prudent that Holland should call up Rodrigue for a couple of starts to see how he can handle the NHL.
Once January passes the Oilers will be in a very grueling schedule of 35 games till the end of the season with eight back to backs during that stretch.
No one can expect Stuart Skinner to handle that many games prior to the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
Should the Oilers call up Olivier Rodrigue for some starts in January? | ||
| Yes, he might solve all their goalie issues | 746 | 75.6 % |
| No, explore the trade market | 241 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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