Scouting the Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers …
Bruce Garrioch: Scouts listed to attended yesterday’s Senators – Oilers game: Chicago Blackhawks (2), Montreal Canadiens (2), Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson: Wouldn’t be a surprise if the Oilers place backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson on waivers and recall Laurent Brossoit to backup Cam Talbot.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers need to find a better backup for Talbot.
Three needs for Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli.
(a) a puck-moving defenceman to also play the point on the power play,
(b) another experienced right-winger (hello, Jarome Iginla) to go with Jordan Eberle unless they want to keep Draisaitl there, and
(c) a backup goalie who preferably has been a starter somewhere else with Talbot seemingly playing every game.
Goaltender options for the Oilers include the below, with the Oilers likely needing to move out salary.
Jaroslav Halak – Is owed $3.7 million next year. The Islanders could retain some salary in a deal. The Oilers could expose him in the expansion draft. Could look to trade him in the offseason if passed over in the expansion draft.
Ondrej Pavelec – Pending free agent carries a $3.9 million cap hit. The Jets would have to take a contract back, Iiro Pakarinen maybe.
Michal Neuvirth – He’s been out with a knee injury. A pending UFA that carries a $1.925 million cap hit.
Eddie Lack – He’s currently out with a concussion and will make $2.75 million next year. Could be exposed in the expansion draft.
TSN’s Jamie McLennan mentioned Panthers third string goalie Reto Berra. McLennan said that he’s not a fan of Senators Andrew Hammond.
Matheson notes that Jarome Iginla will be traded by the deadline, and that he’d be an ideal fit as the Oilers third line right winger. The Flames, Blackhawks and Kings might be interested as well.