3 Offseason Targets For Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers need a goalie that can make a save. It is clear and the biggest thing holding them back. Many would say that also involves changing the goalie coach, but in terms of goalies, there are some options and the team has to explore them all.

John Gibson

John Gibson has been on the Oilers' radar for some time according to rumours. He is paid $6.4 million AAV, which is more than Edmonton will be willing to sink into a goalie that would be competing for starts against Stuart Skinner, so retention would have to be part of any deal. The Anaheim Ducks have already moved to Lukas Dostal as the starter, but Gibson did put up some good numbers this season on the no playoff bound Ducks. He was elite earlier in his career on a stronger team and can definitely make the big save. He is itching for a chance to win again.

Jake Allen

Jake Allen is another veteran and he wouldn't be too expensive for the Oilers to bring in as a 1b. He did a solid job in Montreal and New Jersey as an option that the teams turn to. He is very experienced and has had success everywhere he's gone as long as he's not the go-to guy. When there is competition, he raises his game and performs at his best. That is what the Oilers need from a goalie and maybe what Skinner needs as well. Calvin Pickard has taken some starts from him, but the Oilers just continue to go back to Skinner without much consequences for the lack of saves when needed.

Frederik Andersen

Frederik Andersen would be a bigger get for the Oilers. He will cost a little more than Allen to bring in as a free agent, but is also very proven when healthy. While health is a concern, the Oilers have no trouble getting to the postseason and have done it with Skinner and Pickard. Both are signed through next season, but if Pickard were to be bumped to the third string, Andersen could start half of the games in the NHL for the Oilers and provide great play. He is performing in Carolina and has always done so when healthy. The Oilers would probably have to commit to him for two years at age 35 and they would get better play out of him than what the team is used to. The last older veteran to play for the Oilers was Mike Smith and his play wasn't tainted by the goalie coach as Smith was set in his ways. I see the same happening with Andersen if the Oilers land him.