Oilers look for upgrades on defense, goaltending
Fourth Quarter Dave Pagnotta was asked on the Sirius XM NHL Network Radio Power Game Show with Steve Kouleas and Carter Hutton Will the Edmonton Oilers address their goalie position this season and who could be their option.
Transcribed by NHLRumors.com
Carter Hutton: “I think to me, the Colorado Avalanche are able to replace two goaltenders in the middle of the season. Now, we always focus on the goalie thing and we'll talk about it as it gets closer, but who is What about the next move like a goaltender? Like I watched (Karel) Velmajka, he played really well when the contract came.
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The Edmonton Oilers are a team that could use a little bit of depth, Calvin Pickard has struggled at times and they're trying to be a difference-maker, a guy that can push (Stewart) Skinner. I just want to see what happens as we start moving forward and really see what these contenders are going to do.
Dave Pannotta: “Yeah, well, look, it’s nice to see Colorado boldly trade two of their players and not just get (Scott) Wedgewood; “They ended up finding (MacKenzie) Blackwood and then they signed him to a five-year extension.
So it's nice to see some teams starting to take bolder risks early in the season. That's certainly a factor as the team looks to strengthen itself between the pipes. Well, you have a choice, but Blackwood is no more.
So if you look at Calgary, for example, Dan Vladar, he's also on an expiring contract. Will the team consider using him to bring in a different type of backup? Looking for John Gibson.
It sounds like Anaheim is now in a position to retain the majority of his salary cap, and he certainly wants the opportunity to go out and chase a championship, not just this season but for the duration of his contract. I'm curious. In Edmonton's case, he does have some non-trade protection. I don't know 100 percent, although I'm led to believe Edmonton may be one of the teams on his initial roster.
Whether that will change or not, I'm not sure initially or now, but it will certainly give him an opportunity to chase. Same goes for Carolina. I think both clubs will be back if they haven't already started investigating Anaheim and Gibson.
Edmonton is interesting because they will also be adding D. They want to bring in an experienced player who isn't a Mathias Ekholm-type guy but fits the mold. A defensive back who can come in and stabilize the backfield, which in turn is expected to assist the goalie position.
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But that's the first little thing, because last year, it was all about Skinner. Now that the tables have turned, if the right deals fall into place, maybe we can address the goalkeeping issue as well.
So, to me, Edmonton is going to be a team that can address its defensive issues over the next two months before the deadline. I hope they do, but the goaltending doesn't blow my mind either.
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