Edmonton Oilers will need to overpay to acquire a goalie this trade deadline
Photo credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
The winds of change continue to blow around the Edmonton Oilers organization especially in the goalie crease where the team may need to overpay to acquire a new goaltender as the trade deadline draws closer.
Over the past several weeks, many Oilers fans and pundits around the league have questioned whether Oilers starting goaltender Stuart Skinner along with backup Calvin Pickard are strong enough to carry the Oilers through four rounds of playoffs.
Oilers goalie answers may lie with Utah
Many feel that they are not as their inconsistent play has been exposed greatly during this five-game losing streak. Which brings the Utah hockey club into the spotlight as they hold starting goaltender Karel Vejmelka as the possible answer between the pipes.
The 28-year-old netminder is an intriguing player as he holds solid numbers that would give the Oilers a significant boost immediately especially being on a much better team.
Vejmelka currently has a goal against average (GAA) of 2.48 and a save
percentage (SV%) of .910. Additionally, he ranks 11th in goals saved above expected (GSAx) with a 13.1, according to MoneyPuck.com. In contrast, Stuart Skinner is ranked 71st with a GSAx of -3.0, requiring some scrolling to find him on the list. Woz Oilersnation
percentage (SV%) of .910. Additionally, he ranks 11th in goals saved above expected (GSAx) with a 13.1, according to MoneyPuck.com. In contrast, Stuart Skinner is ranked 71st with a GSAx of -3.0, requiring some scrolling to find him on the list. Woz Oilersnation
Cost may be higher as Oilers become more desperate
It's safe to say that if the Oilers continue to tailspin through this losing streak, the cries for new goaltending will grow louder.
Trading for Vejmelka will likely cost the Oilers at minimum a second-round pick, money going back to Utah in the form of Calvin Pickard or even Stuart Skinner and likely another piece with the Bakersfield Condors to get the trade done.
Vejmelka is in the final year of his deal which was a three-year contract worth $2.725 million per season. With the uncertainty around the Oilers salary cap at the trade deadline, it will be a money in money out situation to make it balance.
Despite what general manager Stan Bowman feels at the moment, it's safe to say he will be examining his goaltending in depth and he may come to the same conclusion just prior to Deadline Day.
Source: Oilersnation
Looking into goaltender Karel Vejmelka as a possible trade target for the Oilers
Looking into goaltender Karel Vejmelka as a possible trade target for the Oilers
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