The Oilers’ Real Goalie Option Is Taken Off the Board
Although there is still a chance that Sam Montembeault will be traded by the Montreal Canadiens, his new three-year contract probably guarantees his stay with the team. The Habs are expected to look for a trade, but it will be either Jake Allen or Cayden Primeau who departs after agreeing to a deal worth $3.15 million per season beginning next year. The Edmonton Oilers are left to consider if either team is worthwhile.
Trade protection is not included in Montembeault’s agreement. Thus, in a certain sense, his transaction is a sign-and-trade. However, if that were the case, rumors of such a move would probably already be known in the hockey community. The Canadiens desired a completed deal. Montembeault concurred. Most likely, he’s staying put.
That leaves the Oilers with Allen, Primeau, or another team; the latter is most likely to be involved in a trade scenario.
It was said that the Oilers were scouting the Canadiens. That being said, while the Habs were playing the Columbus Blue Jackets, they were also checking out Elvis Merzlikins. Although Merzlikins’ contract is a concern, he might be a name worth considering. Even if the Oilers traded Jack Campbell to Columbus in exchange for Merzlikins, they would still be adding to their salary cap and would be locked into a three-year contract with another goalie. Merzlinks isn’t exactly a significant upgrade, so it’s not perfect.
Jack Campbell could remain the Oilers’ backup goalie option.
Edmonton is rumored to be delaying making any moves regarding goalies. After defeating the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, the team won its fourth straight game. They will now take a five-day break. Campbell will get to play a few games for the Bakersfield Condors, and if he performs well, he may be called up to the big leagues.
For the hot Oilers, the break arrives at an inconvenient time. Nevertheless, the timing is ideal for assessing Campbell’s performance at the AHL level.
