Rumor: Oilers to target Holtby or Khudobin in free agency

The Edmonton Oilers had a huge improvement this season, but the qualifiers for the Stanley Cup showed that there are still a few holes on the roster, mainly in net. The Oilers had the bottom two worst save percentages and GAA among the 16 qualifier teams. All indications are that GM Ken Holland will not re-sign Mike Smith and will look for an upgrade in goal through trade or free agency. 

The Oilers have already been linked to Pittsburgh's Matt Murray and Toronto's Freddie Andersen. The Oilers would only have $4-$5 million in cap space to add a goalie, both Murray and Andersen would not be hard to fit into the teams cap at that price. If Ken Holland cannot get a trade done, UFA options Braden Holtby and Anton Khudobin could be great options. Oilers Radio Bob Stauffer believes Robin Lehner and Jacob Markstrom would be out of the price range of the Oilers. While $5 million would be a pay decrease for Holtby, $4 million would be a huge pay raise for Khudobin and about what Mike Smith earned last year with bonuses. Mikko Koskinen is signed through 2021-22 with the Oilers and has yet to establish himself as a true #1 goalie in the NHL. A go to starting goaltender is a must if the Edmonton Oilers are to take the next step and contend for the cup while they still have McDavid and Draisaitl under contract. 

Look for the Oilers to be busy in the off season, along with goaltending the Oilers need scoring help. The Oilers are deep in defensive prospects and are expected to move current defensemen for help up front or in goal.


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