Two starting goalies come off the trade market for Edmonton Oilers
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The Edmonton Oilers need to go all-in at the trade deadline to improve their chances of the Stanley Cup by upgrading their goaltending, but two big options seem to be off the trade market.
While concerns about their goaltending are reaching an all-time high, Oilers management is reportedly not considering making a goalie trade this season.
Two starting goalies appear to come off trade block before the deadline
Earlier this season, reports suggested that goaltenders Jordan Binnington and Karel Vejmelka may be available for trade. Now, both teams are signalling a determination to keep their goalies.
Andy Strickland reported after the 4 Nations Faceoff that Jordan Binnington may be made available in trade, but according to new reports on Sports 1440 Edmonton, St. Louis will not considering making moving him until at least the offseason.
[Binnington] is not available right now. A year from now it could be a different story, maybe even in the summer, but right now I don't see him being available. They are going to do their best to try and get in the playoffs.
UPDATE: Karel Vejmelka has now signed a contract extension with the Utah Hockey Club, officially taking him off the trade market.
Additionally, Utah Hockey Club is looking more inclined to re-sign goalie Karel Vejmelka. When asked about his pending free agency, Vejmelka himself expressed a desire to stay in Utah.
I don't have really reasons to change anything. It's the first thing on my mind to be part of the team, especially with these kinds of players - we're like a big family. I would like to be part of it for a couple more years.
- Karel Vejmelka
- Karel Vejmelka
Utah Hockey Club management has also expressed a desire to get their goaltender under contract, making a trade look less likely.
There still could be some options for the Oilers to improve their goaltending, with one option being John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. However, losing two options on the board may drive prices up.
The Oilers will be hard pressed to upgrade their goaltending, but by any measure, they need to find a way. It's unacceptable for a cup contending team to have below average goaltending for this long.
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