The Edmonton Oilers continue to struggle with inconsistent goaltending, and as the season unfolds, the urgency for a solution remains pressing, especially after falling 5-1 to the Sabres in Buffalo on Monday night.
Yet according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, fans hoping for a major move may need to temper their expectations, because if there is an option at the moment, I can’t say it’s an upgrade from what the Oilers already have. Earlier over the weekend, Pagnotta noted on Hello Hockey that veteran Cam Talbot is a name that could surface later in the year if the Oilers want a manageable cap hit.
“I mentioned Cam Talbot… cap-wise that might make more sense for later on this season; I could see them going in that type of direction.”
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It’s a practical, familiar option, and one that wouldn’t force Edmonton into the kind of heavy financial gymnastics that come with landing a high-end starter. But if that sounds like a lukewarm fix, that’s because it probably is.
Then on Tuesday on OilersNation Everyday, Pagnotta added that unless Edmonton is prepared to sacrifice a significant roster piece, something they’ve consistently resisted, fans shouldn’t expect a blockbuster.
“Unless something is totally coming out of left field and it’s involving a bigger name on this roster, I just don’t see the goaltending being addressed impactfully, significantly, this season.”
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It’s a blunt assessment, and one that speaks to the Oilers’ current dilemma. They’re a team built to win now, led by captain Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime years, but their crease remains a glaring liability. Upgrading would require either cap flexibility they don’t have, or the willingness to part with a core player they don’t want to move.
For now, the Oilers’ biggest challenge appears to be their own limitations.