Rival star goaltender may become available to Oilers after news of major injury
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The New Jersey Devils just announced star forward Jack Hughes will miss the remainder of the season, which could turn the team into a seller at the deadline - with Jacob Markstrom of interest to Edmonton.
The Oilers goaltending should be a critical concern for the team heading into the trade deadline. However, insiders suggest the team doesn't have the will to make a move in net.
Jacob Markstrom would be worth Oilers overpaying in trade
According to reports this afternoon, Jack Hughes will miss the rest of this season, which will greatly impact their playoff chances. Without their superstar, it doesn't make sense for the Devils to be buyers - and they could move some rental players.
With the Devils just holding on to a playoff spot in the eastern conference while team behind them have games in hand, the catastrophic news of the Hughes injury is causing some reports the Devils could become sellers.
There would be tons of players on the Devils that would be of interest to contending teams, but to the Edmonton Oilers, Jacob Markstrom would be a dream fit in goal.
Oilers fans know the 35 year old Swedish goalie well, as he suited up for the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames for much of his career.
Even at his age, with 523 games of NHL experience, Markstrom is still posting elite results with a .910 save percentage. He does have an additional year on his contract, but the Devils could move him now for great value.
Oilers need to acquire goaltending upgrade at trade deadline
There's no definite reports that Markstrom is available for trade, but the Oilers and their fans have been chomping at the bit for an elite goalie like him. If he is at all available, the Oilers should absolutely pursue him - they have done so in the past.
Even if they can't land Jacob Markstrom or he doesn't become available for trade, the Oilers need to acquire a goalie at the trade deadline. Jake Allen would also be a fine target from New Jersey, a career veteran backup.
Karel Vejmelka from Utah would be the best fit, but John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks is available for trade and would upgrade the Oilers current tandem.
In the next two days, the Oilers need address their biggest weakness that could cost them an all-important playoff series, and get a goaltender.
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