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Oilers: 4 trade targets to solve goaltender woes

By Paul Taylor

Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers Linus Ullmark
Oct 11, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Linus Ullmark

Finally we come to the player who would be the ultimate coup for the Oilers, in their efforts to strengthen the goalie position. Although if we’re being entirely honest, it’s tough to imagine the Bruins parting company with Linus Ullmark.

However, we still need to consider Ullmark, if for no other reason, that there has been plenty of talk from the hockey media, connecting him to the Oilers. In fact, the connection goes back several months.

As we previously wrote, Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now reported that the Oilers looked in on Ullmark (as well as teammate Jeremy Swayman) during the summer. Murphy advised this information came courtesy of an NHL executive.

The NHL source went on to tell Murphy that General Manger Ken Holland would likely be back on the phone to the Bruins soon, if the goaltender situation didn’t improve. Well, it’s safe to say we’re at that point now.

Certainly, Ullmark would be a fantastic addition for the Oilers. Last season he led the NHL with 40 wins, a .938 save percentage and 1.89 GAA, to win the Vezina Trophy. (He also shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Swayman.)

The 30-year-old is off to another fine start this season, with a 4-1-1 record through six starts. Along the way, he has produced a .926 save percentage and 2.30 GAA.

From a financial perspective, Ullmark has a cap hit of $5 million both this season and next, before becoming an UFA. Aside from the salary cap implications, you know the Oilers would need to put a heck of a trade package together to entertain the Bruins.

Maybe one factor which could help the Oilers, is that Swayman is clearly the future in Boston. Aside from being just 24, he has been phenomenal so far in 2023-24, going 6-0-0 in six starts and producing a .952 save percentage, along with a 1.49 GAA.

Next. Where do the Oilers go from here with their goalie situation?. dark

Other possible trade candidates who have been mentioned, include Anaheim’s John Gibson, Toronto’s Ilya Samsonov, Calgary’s Dan Vladar and Buffalo’s Eric Comrie. We wouldn’t consider any of them for different reasons, but regardless, all we know is the Oilers need to get someone of quality to add stability between the pipes, and soon.

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