Simpleton
Rejoint: juin 2017
Messages: 1,365
Mentions "j'aime": 502
Edmonton's immediate need is to find some stability and reliability in their net because Smith has spent most of the season injured, Koskinen continues to prove that he can't maintain the starter's role for more than a few games at a time, and Skinner is still an unproven rookie. The Oilers seem to be unwilling to pay a high price for a goaltender this season and may be holding out hope that they will have time before the TDL to assess what a healthy 39-year-old Smith can provide them. If they acquire a goaltender at the TDL, he will most likely be a veteran rental, basically a replacement and upgrade over Koskinen. Once the off season arrives, Koskinen will come off their books but Smith will still be under contract and Stuart Skinner will no longer be waiver exempt. Unless Smith retires, I suspect Holland may try to offload him and upgrade his starter for the next couple of seasons. That will protect Skinner and give him time to prove whether he will be a starter or remain a backup.
If Skinner was one more year into his career, it might be a lot easier for Holland and his pro scouting staff to decide where Vanecek ranks among potential trade targets. Right now, I suspect that he will not be near the top because he doesn't have the experience Holland seems to covet and that the Oilers might need in a mentor for Stuart Skinner.