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Edmonton Oilers: Addressing Jonas Gustavsson’s Role

By Sammi Silber |
Sep 26, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goalie Jonas Gustavsson (50) guards his net during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames during a preseason hockey game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goalie Jonas Gustavsson (50) guards his net during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames during a preseason hockey game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Edmonton Oilers had an interesting three-goal second period but ended up falling to the Ottawa Senators Sunday, 5-3.

However, despite Edmonton taking a 3-2 lead in the middle frame, a more shocking statistic spoke higher volumes. The Oilers outshot Ottawa 38-18, and the Senators scored four goals on 17 shots against Jonas Gustavsson. Many of them were soft.

In seven starts this season, the 32-year-old Swede has gone 1-3-1, posting a 3.10 GAA and a .878 save mark. These are unimpressive numbers, especially given his experience over the years. Not to mention, he is a backup serving one of the league’s most-played netminders and hasn’t proved liable in his place.

With this in mind, the Oilers have to address their situation in the crease behind Talbot. He cannot start every game, and when it comes to back-to-backs and key matches, the Oilers need a solid #2.

Laurent Brossoit

Edmonton could always turn to the AHL’s Condors for a backup, and call up longtime Bakersfield goalie Laurent Brossoit. He was an AHL All-Star last season and proved to be the key for leading the Condors to victory. Brossoit did have the chance to earn a full-time backup spot with Edmonton last season but didn’t prove good enough.

This season, his numbers have faltered slightly, as he has gone 8-8-0 with a 2.71 GAA and .909 save percentage through 20 games.

Considering Gustavsson’s’ struggles, Brossoit could and likely would capitalize on the opportunity to steal the full-time backup spot in the NHL. He has great potential and is only continuing to grow, and he also poses great confidence and promising youth.

Waiver Wire

As seen with Jaroslav Halak and Ondrej Pavelec this season, many veteran netminders may be making their way to the waiver wire. Paying next-to-nothing, Edmonton can snatch a solid, experienced NHL backup and give them a second chance.

Halak and Pavelec, however, were two netminders that proved to struggle greatly in the NHL, and may be nearing the twilight of their careers. Soon, they will not be able to really prove much in the big league, so it was wise of the Oilers to pass on them.

Next: Oilers: The Rise and Evolution of Matthew Benning

Trade Route

The Oilers could always trade Gustavsson for an up-and-coming goaltender, a third-string goalie or a veteran backup. In the end, to make the trade more enticing, they could add in a draft pick to sweeten the deal.

Trading Gustavsson seems like a last resort, however, as the Oilers have more to worry about when it comes to trading for assets available on the market.

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