Report: Edmonton Oilers looking at goalie options including Robin Lehner, Jacob Markstrom
By Zach Laing
3 years agoThe Edmonton Oilers could look at signing Robin Lehner or Jacob Markstrom in free agency, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports.
Lehner, 29, was acquired by the Golden Knights at the NHL’s trade deadline and has been a star for Vegas. He’s been dominant going 8-1 in net and has taken over the No. 1 job over Marc-Andre Fleury.
Edmonton would be another possibility. Mike Smith, 38, is UFA this fall, so there’s a natural opening alongside Mikko Koskinen, 32, who still has two more years on his deal at a $4.5 million AAV. The problem, as it is for so many teams, is that the Oilers don’t have much cap flexibility. But if you’re looking to take the next step as an organization, finding a true No. 1 has to be a top priority. A Lehner-Koskinen tandem would do that. –LeBrun
This offseason Lehner is looking to earn his dues on a new deal likely for multiple years. The Oilers cap crunch could make it tough.
On Markstrom, LeBrun noted that while he feels he will re-sign with Vancouver, he would expect the Oilers to at least inquire on the netminder if he was to hit free agency.
In my eyes the acquisition of either goaltender would be huge for the Oilers and would create a 1-2 punch alongside Koskinen that could take Edmonton to another level.
This offseason is going to be interesting, and I can’t wait to see what happens.
On Twitter: @zjlaing
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