It's generally smart for NHL GMs to forego the impulse to make rash, pressure-based decisions focused on improving the team in the short-term while completely ignoring the impact from a long-term standpoint - it rarely provides the results sought and often handcuffs the team's ability to make moves and improve the squad in the future.
So, while the Edmonton Oilers and their general manager, Craig MacTavish, should do their best to avoid any impulsive decisions, they may need to begin seriously plumbing the depths in order to alleviate their current issues in net, according to a report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.ca.
Wondered about an Ilya Bryzgalov return, but that appears unlikely. They are looking to see what's out there, but Oilers are being careful. There's no point in a short-term move for long-term cost either in goal or at center.
The current netminders in Edmonton, Ben Scrivens and Viktor Fasth, have not been able to get to the job done thus far this season - they have a combined 3.28 GAA, according to NHL.com. Scrivens' save percentage is a lowly .899 and Fasth's is an even-worse .885.
Bryzgalov is a free agent for a reason - he has proven flaky and inconsistent during his time in the league. There are though, a variety of other free agent options, as well as some backups that could be of interest to them, according to Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News.
Other free-agent options include Martin Brodeur and Tomas Vokoun, who are now past their prime. The Oilers could shop around for a younger unproven goaltender, like Vancouver's Jacob Markstrom or Pittsburgh's Jeff Zatkoff, but what they need is someone with NHL starting experience.
Brodeur has stated he would like to join a contender but has also said he is unwilling to give up on his NHL career, and should an opportunity to enter the lineup as a starter arise, he'd likely take it. At 40 he's still a quality player who, though his skills are declining, would be an upgrade over both Edmonton netminders.
The trade route, on the other hand, seems a fairly barren and likely ill-advised direction.
Currently there's not much of a trade market for goaltenders. While there was speculation this summer suggesting Toronto's James Reimer or Winnipeg's Ondrej Pavelec might be available, neither is available now. The Leafs prefer to retain Reimer to back up starter Jonathan Bernier, while Pavelec appears to be finally blossoming into a reliable starter for the Jets.
The Oilers, currently 6-10-2, are not exactly knocking on the door of contention. But a move for a quality goalie coupled with their improved defensive play could potentially see them save a season teetering on the brink of collapse.
