We've already written about how the recent improved play of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, has lessened the urgency to look for goalie help in the trade market. However, that doesn't mean it won't still be a consideration for the Edmonton Oilers, especially if either or both of Skinner and Pickard regress to their play from earlier this season.
Along these lines, one potential solution already proposed is John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, although we don't see this coming to anything. Another suggestion is the New York Rangers' Jonathan Quick, as per the excellent Allan Mitchell of The Athletic (subscription required).
Now there's no denying that Quick has enjoyed a hugely successful NHL career, which is now in its 18th season. His resume makes for impressive reading, including three Stanley Cups, three NHL All-Star selections, a Conn Smythe Trophy and one William M. Jennings Trophy.
The 38-year-old is best known for playing the majority of his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings, before a brief spell with the Vegas Golden Knights, and now the Rangers. At the time of writing he has a career record of 398-287-86 and a .911 save percentage, while his 2.48 Goals Against Average (GAA) leads all active goaltenders.
Still a quality goalie or living in the past?
However, the question is if trading for Quick would represent a smart move by general manager Stan Bowman? Or are the goalie's best days behind him, meaning the Oilers would effectively be paying for his past success and aforementioned impressive resume?
In this respect, we're only two seasons removed from the worst campaign of Quick's NHL career, when he produced a collective 3.41 GAA and .882 save percentage with the Kings and Golden Knights. The only time he had worst stats was during his rookie season back in 2007-08, when he played in just three games.
In fairness to the Milford, Connecticut native though, since signing with the Rangers ahead of last season, he has settled well in his role as backup. He has gone 23-10-2 in 35 starts, in the process recording a 2.65 GAA and .909 save percentage.
These statistics reflect well on how Quick has modified his game, in order to deal with a slight (and natural/inevitable) decline in his athleticism. He now makes up for this with his improved positional sense, while also relying on his extensive experience and playing deeper in the crease.
Money not really a problem
In terms of the financial aspect, this would not cause much issue, as Quick is a pending unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of just $1.275 million for this season. For more context as per PuckPedia, the Oilers have just over $1.323 million of cap space at the time of writing, and are projected to have nearly $3.497 million of room at the trade deadline. (As always, let's also not forget the possibility of an additional $5.125 million to play with, pending how Evander Kane's situation on long-term injured reserve plays out.)
Looking at any negatives, there are a couple of potential ones to consider, including the 2005 third round draft pick having a 20-team no-trade list. Assuming the Oilers do want to make a move for him, are they on his no-trade list, and if so, would he be prepared to take them off it?
The second potential negative surrounds Quick's play of late, which ironically has trended in the opposite direction to Skinner and Pickard. He has allowed a combined 23 goals over his last five starts -- including six on two occasions -- leading to a .839 save percentage. (Although we should also note he did have one relief appearance during this stretch, where he saved all 11 shots he faced.)
Ultimately, this is one of those instances where it would be tough to criticise the Oilers whether they do trade for Quick or not. However, what we will say is that Bowman would be wise to at least perform his due diligence, by reaching out to the Rangers for a conversation.