LATEST: Edmonton Oilers Eyeing Pair of All-Star Goalies in High-Stakes Trade Move in Latest Hockey Trade Rumour

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Mark Parsons
November 23, 2023 (1:07 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers are actively pursuing a top-tier starting goaltender, with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid reportedly eager for the acquisition. Two prominent goalies are being considered: John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks and Jordan Binnington from the St. Louis Blues. However, the trade process is proving challenging. The Oilers have been negotiating for over a week, facing difficulties aligning the financial aspects and dealing with a no-trade clause involving a player who isn't the primary focus of the trade. Additionally, there was brief exploration of a third goaltending option from an Eastern team, but this prospect was quickly dismissed.

From HockeyBuzz.com:

"This is not an easy deal to make. They have been trying actually for over a week now and getting the numbers along with a no-trade of a player, who is NOT the main piece, has proven to be difficult...."

Oilers Looking To Lock Down Goaltending

The Edmonton Oilers, currently struggling with a record of 5-10-1, are actively seeking to improve their goaltending situation. As reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on "Hockey Night in Canada," the team has shown interest in all three of Montreal's goaltenders. However, Friedman emphasized that while the Oilers are exploring options, they are cautious about making a hasty decision that could lead to regrets.

"The Oilers do continue to look at the goaltender market. Edmonton is looking at all three of Montreal's goaltenders. I don't believe there is anything imminent there. I just think it's the Oilers continuing to do their due diligence. They are determined to not make a panic trade that they will regret."

Oilers Current Odds Of Making Playoffs Worse Than A Coin Flip

The Oilers' goaltending dilemma has been highlighted by the recent demotion of Jack Campbell to the AHL and the elevation of Stuart Skinner to the starting role, with Calvin Pickard as backup. Despite Skinner's respectable early performance, he's dropped to a 3.66 goals-against average and a .865 save percentage, the Oilers are vigilant in strengthening their goaltending depth. Under new head coach Kris Knoblauch, the team is committed to avoiding impulsive trades, recognizing the need for strategic reinforcements.

Inexplicably, #Oilers hit Thanksgiving 🇺🇸 with a season-low 44.5% shot at the playoffs, per @IneffectiveMath - really the first time they've been under a 50/50 coin flip. Edmonton needs 85 points over the final 64 games (.664) to secure a spot.

Overall, the Oilers are in a crucial phase of reevaluation and adjustment, seeking goaltending solutions while also addressing broader team performance issues to turn their season around.

Things are absolutely not going the Oilers way, but here's a wholesome "hang in there" glove tap exchange between McDavid and Draisaitl.

As Read On Hockey Buzz - Oilers Looking at Two Big Goalies Via Trade...