Quoting: CD282
Since the Oilers need a guy to play about 40% of the schedule and not a "bona-fide starter", I would have some time for an older goalie if he's performing well still. Smith has been outstanding so far, and we know Holland has no compunction signing older goalies, so don't write off guys like Rinne, Elliott or Halak just due to age.
That said, it would be nice to get a younger guy who can transition into a larger role and maybe platoon with Koskinen / Konovalov / Rodrigue going forward. Ullmark would be my target, not sure what his actual market value is but his CF-AGM value seems to be around $3M x 3 and I would have no issue signing him to that. Driedger has gaudy numbers but he hasn't played much hockey, so I'd be a bit wary of him. But on a cheap deal (<$2M) for 1-2 years, I'd give him a shot at the 1B job in Edmonton IF Konovalov was signed and playing in Bakersfield. That way, if Driedger doesn't transition well, there's another competent backup with professional experience waiting in the wings.
But ideally it would be Koskinen-Ullmark for 21-22, then if Konovalov is tearing the cover off the ball in AHL you could move to Ullmark-Konovalov in 2022-23 and save nearly $4M.
I'd be fine with Halak. But yes I agree I think the play here is to sign a goalie who has room to grow still to 3ish year deal around 3M. Driedger and Ullmark are the only ones I see fitting into that category. Wouldn't touch Rinne or Elliott. Mrazek is another option but I see him getting overpaid. I think you've said this before also but I see the NHL moving more to a tandem structure at the Goalie position. Those 55-65 game guys are rare nowadays and you can get the same production from a tandem.
CD282 a aimé ceci.
Holloway,
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