Ken Holland's Failed Attempt To Upgrade Goaltending

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Joshua Deeds
October 17, 2023 (10:38 PM)

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In order to win the Stanley Cup, Ken Holland strives to provide the Edmonton Oilers fans with the best team possible.

Stanley Cups can't be won without great goaltending, and there's a mandate to upgrade the duo, as Jack Campbell hasn't been performing well lately.

During the off-season, Ken Holland added only forward Connor Brown, but according to NHL Insider Jimmy Murphy, Holland had bigger ambitions.

He took the bold step of checking in on the Boston Bruins' goaltending duo of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark.

A 40-6-1 record and a .938 save percentage were impressive figures for Ullmark, the recent Vezina Trophy winner. Jeremy Swayman went 24-6-4 with a .920 save percentage and the team is very well-equipped in the net.

It would seem obvious to keep both goaltenders, but with the team against the cap and issues surrounding the Swayman contract, Holland felt compelled to inquire about their availability.

Swayman and the team reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $3.475 million.

Nothing came to fruition between the Bruins and Oilers as Ken Holland wasn't able to follow through with a deal.

For now, the Oilers are unfortunately stuck with a duo that is sharing the same save % at .750