Stanley cup champion goalie linked to Oilers in trade now off the market
Earlier this season, it seems a certainty that the Oilers would acquire a goalie at the trade deadline. The team had been linked primarily to the legendary Marc-Andre Fleury, who could come to Edmonton and chase one last Stanley Cup in a great tandem with Stuart Skinner. Unfortunately however, NHL insider Frank Seravalli says the Wild now want to retain Fleury this year.
On yesterday's episode of the Daily Faceoff Rundown Podcast, Seravalli explained that now with the Wild back in the playoff race, they'd keep Fleury as their tandem goalie to try to sneak in and go on a run, as is Minnesota's plan every year. Right now, Fleury is solely focused on being a main contributor to the Wild making the playoffs.
However, Seravalli did continue in the podcast to say that if the Wild do fall out of playoff contention in the coming weeks before the deadline, the team could reassess trading Fleury. Even then, Seravalli says a Fleury trade would be difficult to achieve. The Wild need to fall out of the playoffs, a team that Fleury believes can win the cup, and a team where Fleury will play some games. As of right now, Fleury has an incredible record of making the playoffs for 17 straight years - he probably hopes to keep that alive in his final year.
If the Wild are to fall out of contention, the Edmonton Oilers really need to consider adding Fleury. He brings Stanley Cup experience to the crease and the locker room, and could form a solid tandem with Stuart Skinner. As another plus, the team wouldn't have to play Calvin Pickard or Jack Campbell in important games if Skinner falters or goes down with injury. For now, the Oilers will just have to keep an eye on Minnesota, and hope they fall further out of playoff contention.
| POLL | ||
Should the Oilers trade for a goalie at the deadline? | ||
| Yes, need the insurance at the position | 321 | 65.4 % |
| No, it's fine, improve elsewhere | 132 | 26.9 % |
| See Results | 38 | 7.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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