Report: Oilers exploring goalie market, eyeing Canadiens trio
In their search for a new goalie, the Edmonton Oilers are looking at all three of the Montreal Canadiens' netminders, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
However, no deal is imminent and the Oilers want to avoid making a panic trade they'll regret, Friedman added.
Poor goaltending is a prime reason for Edmonton's 5-10-1 start to the campaign. Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell each own an abysmal .873 save percentage on the season. Campbell was sent to the AHL and Calvin Pickard was recalled in a corresponding move, though the latter has yet to appear in an NHL game this season.
The rebuilding Canadiens, meanwhile, have been carrying three goalies on their roster this season with Jake Allen, Sam Montembeault, and Cayden Primeau all requiring waivers to be sent to the AHL. Allen and Montembeault, in particular, are off to strong starts.
All stats entering Saturday. GSAx (goals saved above expected) courtesy Evolving-Hockey.
| Goalie | GP | GAA | SV% | GSAx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen | 7 | 3.30 | .911 | 4.64 |
| Montembeault | 8 | 2.78 | .908 | 4.48 |
| Primeau | 3 | 3.97 | .885 | 0.98 |
Skinner and Campbell, meanwhile, entered Saturday with a combined GSAx of minus-6.21.
Even though only $3.85 million of Campbell's $5-million cap hit counts against the Oilers while he's in the minors, Edmonton is still right up against the cap. Getting a goalie on the cheap would likely be preferable.
| Goalie | Age | Cap hit | Years left | Expiry status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen | 33 | $3.85M | 2 | UFA |
| Montembeault | 27 | $1M | 1 | UFA |
| Primeau | 24 | $890K | 2 | RFA |
Allen's salary would require Edmonton to move some money out, but the team could afford both Montembeault and Primeau without significant changes to the Oilers' active roster.
With 403 NHL games and a Stanley Cup under his belt, Allen is the most experienced of the three. Montembeault has made 111 career appearances, while Primeau has played in just 24 contests.