Trade rumors are like sunshine around this time of year; The further you go into the summer, the more there is.
The Edmonton Oilers already have a lot of decisions to make this summer. While some believe they need to find a way to send out defender Darnell Nurse, there are bigger problems that must be addressed.
One of those problems was solved by an Oilers Now radio host (employed by the team, mind you). Bob Stauffer appeared on the 100% Hockey Podcast and talked to the hosts about some of the issues burdening the team.
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Oilers insider addresses the Jerry-Ingram tandem
One topic of discussion was the combination of Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram. Jarry is under contract for a few more years, while Ingram is a free agent.
"They've got to find a way to move forward here with Tristan Jarry," Stouffer told hosts Darren Millard and John Shannon. "Under the assumption that he's in Edmonton next year, he's got to work with them, just like he had to work with (forward Trent) Fredericks, right? Like he's got to work with those guys and get it out of them."
"I think Jerry's a better puck handler. He's got a great glove hand."
Additionally, Stauffer is unsure whether the Oilers are interested in bringing Ingram back.
Stauffer argued, "I think they have to figure that kind of thing out." "I think Ingram gave them as much as he could, but he didn't steal any games in the playoffs. We'll have to see what happens with Ingram. But I think he might have to consider a move out of the organization if this trend continues."
What do the Oilers need from an Eastern Conference team?
Stauffer suggests a trade for a goaltender prospect. That is, one who is closer to NHL-ready than the current crop of hopefuls.
Stauffer urges, "Maybe they need to target a young goaltender in an organization that has deep goaltending potential." "They've got a lot of goalscoring potential themselves. But they're years away, you know, three to four years away. There's a club in the East that has four very good goalscorers in their system right now. So we'll see what happens here moving forward."
"I'm not saying anything about the team. I respect that organization for having a goaltender."
My thoughts on goalie prospect trading
- The Detroit Red Wings are likely the team Stauffer is referring to.
- On Puckpedia, Detroit's potential goaltenders to sign are Michal Postava, Trey Augustin, Carter Zyllander and Sebastian Cossa.
- The Red Wings have $32,791,667 in salary cap space before addressing their free agent situation.
- Postava and Augustin are contracted for at least one more season. Cossa and Zylander will become restricted free agents on July 1, 2026.
- Cossa, 23, has big size, but has fallen out of favor with the Red Wings organization. Given that his contract is expiring, Detroit may be tempted to trade him before July 1.
- Unfortunately for the Oilers, they will have to address their goaltending from multiple angles.
- If they play better defense, it will make things a lot easier on their netminders.
- The Oilers goaltenders need to improve the weaknesses in their game over the summer to become better overall players.
- If the organization trusts Jerry's limits, they probably won't betray him.
One way or another, it's going to be an interesting offseason for the Oilers. Addressing their goal-related issues should be a top priority.
We're waiting to see if they really feel the same way.
