Oilers prospect is forcing Ken Holland into a big decision
Still five points out of a playoff spot after 31 games now, every game for the rest of the season will matter for the Edmonton Oilers. The team came into this season with Stanley Cup aspirations, but were sunk early on in the season due to horrible goaltending from Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner.
Although Skinner has recovered well enough to give the Oilers a chance to win games, adding to the goaltending is still a massive need for the Edmonton Oilers. As the front office and GM Ken Holland look for the answer in the crease, they have to be considering their goaltending prospect Olivier Rodrigue.
Drafted in the second round by the Oilers in the 2018 draft, Rodrigue is having an absolutely stellar season with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. Through ten games this season, Rodrigue has posted a 5-2-2 record with an unbelievable 2.09 GAA and .939 save percentage. Pointed out by Oilers analyst Bob Stauffer, Rodrigue is currently on an impressive run that has made him the leader in AHL save percentage.
Sometimes successful AHL goaltenders still don't translate at the NHL level, but with this level of success and the Oilers desperate need for goaltending, Rodrigue's play is forcing the front office to consider him as an option. How much could it hurt for him to take a start from Calvin Pickard?
If Rodrigue continues this successful run in the minors for much longer, the Oilers will have to call him up and see how he fares in the NHL. Who knows, he could provide the stability in net the Oilers are seeking, or at least form a quality tandem with Skinner.
| POLL | ||
When should the Oilers call up Rodrigue? | ||
| Right now | 194 | 41.3 % |
| Wait and see if he keeps up the success | 180 | 38.3 % |
| Leave him this year entirely, he needs to develop | 96 | 20.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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