Goaltending in Focus for Oilers Star Connor McDavid’s Crucial Year
McDavid is in the final year of his eight-year, $100 million deal. He has already agreed to a team-friendly two-year, $25 million extension that kicks in next season. Still, any long-term commitment could hinge on how competitive the Oilers look, making the upcoming campaign especially important.
If Edmonton proves it can truly contend for the Stanley Cup, it would influence McDavid’s future decisions.
Despite inconsistent goaltending throughout the season, the Oilers still managed to secure a playoff spot. At the moment, they’re rotating between Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry, but questions remain about whether that tandem is strong enough for a championship push.
If Edmonton finds an upgrade in net, its Stanley Cup chances could improve significantly. Even so, counting the Oilers out is never wise. McDavid has already shown he can will the team into contention.
NHL insider Jeff Marek connected Edmonton to Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild. “When all those rumors were out about Jesper Wallstedt and how he was available and Minnesota would move off, Edmonton was a team that I thought of for him,” Marek said.
Wallstedt has been viewed as a potential trade chip, especially with Filip Gustavsson entrenched as Minnesota’s starter long term. The young Swedish goalie has posted solid numbers, including a 2.61 GAA and .916 save percentage, making him an intriguing option for a team looking toward both immediate help and future stability.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski also noted that the Oilers might circle back to Wallstedt during the offseason. He mentioned another potential option in Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros.
“There is a little bit of here’s another name that we should obviously consider once again, which is Juuse Saros, like not getting the gate for the most important game of the season. There needs to be some conversations about that as well,” Wyshynski said.
Saros endured a challenging season, posting a 3.13 GAA and .894 save percentage, but he remains one of the league’s more proven starters. For Edmonton, acquiring a goalie with his experience could provide the reliability they’ve lacked.
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For now, the Oilers sit near the top of the Pacific Division standings and appear headed for a first-round matchup with the Anaheim Ducks. Edmonton also has one regular-season game remaining against the Vancouver Canucks before turning full attention to the postseason.
