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5 Goalies The Oilers Should Target This Off-Season |
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I have never been Mikko Koskinen's biggest fan.
I disliked the original decision to sign a KHL goalie with next to no NHL experience to a one year 2.5 million dollar deal. Koskinen had some strong moments, especially through November with the Oilers in that first season but it was after that when he began to struggle immensely that Peter Chiarelli (spits) signed him to that 3 year 4.5 million dollar deal.
The reason I'm reiterating all of that so when I say I think people are overreacting on the Oilers goaltending situation, you can all understand it isn't out of some deep admiration for the player.
Koskinen finished last season with a 0.924SV% at 5 on 5 which of all goalies who played at least 1600 minutes was good enough to be 13th. That was ahead of the likes of Carter Hart, Carey Price, and Jordan Binnington. From January 1st until the end of the regular season, Koskinen posted a 0.938SV%.
Mikko and his 0.889SV% in the post season is what is freshest in everyone's minds right now. His 5 on 5 numbers were even worse as he posted a 0.824SV% with only Smith, Fleury, Raanta, and Rittich fairing worse.
Considering how poor the Oilers as a whole played, compounded by the reminder that these games occurred after a 4 month break, I hesitate to put too much blame at Koskinen's feet. Regardless the Oilers will be looking to upgrade in net this summer and Holland needs to add a netminder who can challenge for the starter position. Here are 5 options for the Oilers to consider.
ANTTI RAANTA
It's been a rough ride for Raanta in the desert. The netminder has posted great numbers throughout his career and at times looked like a lock for a Vezina nomination but injuries have always gotten in the way; most notably in 2018/2019 when his season was cut to a mere 12 games. This year Kuemper truly took over as the starter but Raanta still played 33 games, posting an identical 0.924SV% at 5 on 5 to Mikko Koskinen, allowing 11 fewer goals against.
Word on the street is that the Coyotes are looking to shed salary and with Kuemper looking like the clear cut starter and Raanta with one year left on his deal, making 4 million next season in total salary, a move seems likely. I would not be shocked to see the Oilers move Kris Russell and a prospect to try and bring in another Finn.
ELVIS MERZLIKINS
Acquiring Raanta would represent a stop gap solution in net for next season. If Holland could make a much bigger splash, Merzlikins would represent a long term solution. The 26 year old had about as phenomenal a rookie season as possible. He posted a 0.931SV% at 5 on 5 through 32 games and then appeared in two playoff games where he made 61 saves on 61 shots at 5 on 5, only allowing a single goal on the PK. By those numbers alone it seems shocking the Jackets did not continue running him; until you look at what the other guy did.
The 26 year old Korpisalo has been in the league for a few years already but this season was his big coming out party, highlighted by a historic performance in the Jackets lose in quintuple overtime. Through his 9 playoff games he was brilliant and stood tall against an offensively dominant Lightning team.
Here we have two 26 year old goalies; Merzlikins signed for two more years at 4 million while Korpisalo is signed for two more years at 2.8 million. It may be the best tandem in the NHL right now but if GM Kekäläinen wanted to cash in while value is high this would be the time. I don't know what the cost would be for Edmonton but the 14th overall pick sounds like a good place to start.
JACOB MARKSTROM
Let me preface this one by stating the Canucks would be absolutely insane to let Markstrom walk to free agency and I do not expect that to happen. The 30 year old netminder has put together a few great seasons in Vancouver but it has been these playoffs that have gotten him the notice he deserves around the league and will only help to increase his value. Therein lies the potential issue for Vancouver.
Again I expect Markstrom to sign with the Canucks but when people like Friedman and Lebrun bring up the Oilers interest in the player it needs to at least be discussed. Markstrom is the only UFA player I am bringing up on this list as he is the only option I would be willing to spend 6+ million dollars on.
ALEXANDER GEORGIEV
The era of the King may finally be over in New York. The 37 year old Lundqvist led the Rangers to a quick end against the Hurricanes with a 0.896SV% at 5 on 5. With one more year left on his contract the question of retirement will remain a topic of interest over the next few months.
The Rangers have two young up and comers in Igor Shesterkin and Alexander Georgiev that should be in the Oilers crosshairs. As of now it appears that Shesterkin has the inside track in New York so we will focus on Georgiev instead.
It should be noted that the Rangers allowed the third most shots against in the League last season, yet Georgiev was still able to post a 0.918SV% at even strength. Though not nearly as big as many goalies (6'1, 180lbs) Georgiev is one of the most athletic netminders in the league and has proven in a couple seasons now that he can hold his own behind one of the worst defensive groups in the league. Georgiev is an RFA right now with no contract yet for the coming season.
A few seasons ago the Oilers made a deal with the Rangers in a near identical deal, trading the 57th, 79th, and 184th overall picks for the then 28 year old Cam Talbot. With a lack of picks as of writing this, Edmonton can not exactly replicate this trade but could deal an RFA of their own in Matt Benning plus a bit extra to get something done.
PAVEL FRANCOUZ
Most of the names above have been discussed in various circles but this last one I haven't heard anyone else mention as an option. The 30 year old Francouz played 34 games last season, backing up start Philipp Grubauer for the Colorado Avalanche. Pavel posted a 0.925SV% at 5 on 5 and of the 41 goalies who played 33 games or more, he ranked 17th with a GAA of 2.37.
Francouz played his most recent game last night against the Stars after Grubauer went down due to injury, allowing 2 goals on 19 shots. Depending on how serious Grubauer's injury is we could be seeing much more of Francouz and Oilers fans should take notes.
Thanks for reading!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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