Bringing back Evander Kane Part 2

Soon to be ex-Oiler goaltending prospect Ilya Konovalov has reportedly wanted to go back to Russia, and already signed a contract to play in the KHL next season, so the Oilers have terminated his contract.

Much like with Mikko Koskinen, the timing of this is rather odd. After all, it’s a well known fact that Skinner basically looks like he’s punched his ticket to the NHL next year – between what he’s accomplished in the AHL and how he’s looked in callups to the NHL, it’s looking like he’s going to make the jump full time next season.

That would’ve put Konovalov as next in line to be the starter in Bakersfield. Now granted, Konovalov didn’t exactly have the greatest stats in his rookie season in North America, but to give up on his NHL dream after only one season in the minors? Especially right as he’s poised to get more starts? Both things that make this a very odd timing on Konovalov’s part.

Well, this puts the Oilers as primed to take a goalie in the draft at some point this summer.

It also leaves the Oilers with a tandem in the minors of second round pick from 2018 Olivier Rodrigue and college free agent signing from earlier in the season Ryan Fanti who will be making his pro debut next season – notwithstanding of course another college free agent signing or a draft pick that’s ready to make the jump to the minors.

So, in goal it’s looking pretty shallow in Bakersfield next season. Not that Konovalov would’ve moved the needle that much based on last season, but at least there would’ve been more competition that would make everyone in the organization feel better in case of injury on the big club.