Peter Chiarelli, general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, says he will most likely bring in a goalie before the draft. Goaltending has been a problem in Edmonton and now Chiarelli has a chance to change things. The Oilers have a few options to choose from when trading for a goalie.
Chiarelli is interested in Cam Talbot, the backup to the NY Rangers Henrik Lundqvist. Talbot has never had a starter role, but his numbers when he does play are impressive. Talbot posted a 1.64 GAA and 0.941 save % in 21 games in the 2013-14 season and followed up with another impressive season posting a 2.21 GAA and 0.926 save % in 36 games in 2014-15. In return, the Rangers want the 16th overall pick.
The Oilers are also interested in Robin Lehner, a backup goalie in Ottawa. Lehner is expendable because the Senators have three more goalies in Anderson, Hammond, and recently signed college goalie, O'Connor. The 23 year old Lehner has posted a four year career average of 2.88 GAA and 0.914 save %. The return for Lehner involves the 33rd overall pick.
If there is no deal in place before the draft, the Oilers may wait until free agency to pick up a quality goalie. Options for them on July 1st include Devan Dubnyk and Antti Niemi. Although all signs point towards the Oilers making a trade for a quality goalie from either the Senators or the Rangers.
Post a Comment