Over the Connor McDavid era, the Edmonton Oilers have consistently been searching for answers in net. Over the iterations, several approaches have been used. At times the reputation of their goalies has been more of an issue than their play. At other times, the level of play has simply not been good enough.
Usually the main approach has been to put faith into an established goalie at a discounted price, hoping for near average goaltending. To an extent this is exactly what the Oilers have received as well. While it has not been enough to win a Stanley Cup, it has ensured that the negative narrative around the Oilers goaltending has persisted.
As a longer than usual offseason is underway, many are considering what alternative approaches might be.
Let’s examine the thought process, with a focus on the potential of acquiring Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings.
Should Edmonton target a young goalie like Cossa?
The one exception to the Oilers strategy in net was Stuart Skinner. While he dealt with his share of criticism as an Oiler, he was in net for both trips to the Stanley Cup Finals. Regardless of if one thinks that Skinner is a legitimate starting goalie, his time with the Oilers was easily one of their most valuable experiments in net. From being a mid-round pick, Skinner was relied upon as the starter at a small cap cost.
More than their UFA signings or trades, trusting a young goalie really paid off for the Oilers. Despite the uneasiness of enormous expectations placed on Skinner, and despite not even being a quality starter by his doubters, the Oilers got really strong results from their faith.
Proven options are easier to trust, especially from the distance of the offseason. Some fans will surely have their sights set on Sergei Bobrovsky or Jordan Binnington. These players would cost more to acquire, via trade or free agency. With limited avenues to acquire talent, this would weaken the team elsewhere, in theory.
Instead, it might be time to trust in the youth. While different positions might only be so relevant, the Oilers can point to younger players that were moved off of, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway for example, as superior investments than more experienced veterans, like Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, and Andrew Mangiapane. Vasily Podkolzin is another relevant example. The best returns on investment often come from acquiring players before their best hockey. It can be especially nerve wracking when it comes to trusting a young goalie, but it can be beneficial in the short and long term.
Cossa’s time is up in Detroit
Though he was a high draft pick, Cossa has fallen out of favour in Detroit. Much of this is circumstantial. John Gibson was acquired, and played quite well. Trey Augustine might be an even better prospect than Cossa, at least for the time being. The Wings have continued to disappoint, failing to reach the playoffs in an increasingly competitive Atlantic Division. While often grouped with rebuilders like the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, and Montreal Canadiens, the Wings are the team that has failed to keep pace.
In total, this paints a fairly clear picture. The Wings will need to make some changes, and Cossa is an obvious trade candidate. The Wings will certainly be looking for immediate help, but the reported trade price of a roster player and a second-round pick shows that the team is willing to take value in different areas. These draft picks might get used, but they might also be flipped as more liquid assets for the immediate help the team might be searching for.
Trade cost for both teams
The Wings have a young blueline coming into its own, and several young forwards who are expected to help solidify the lineup in the near future. Still, patience might be wearing thin. The Oilers do not have a ton of draft capital, but they do have some mid round picks that might entice the Wings.
The other side of the deal comes from the roster player that the Wings might be looking for. The Wings were shockingly average last season, in many categories. There is a lot of possible internal development that could naturally bolster the lineup.
That said some immediate help at left defence could go a long way, as could some long term help at centre. Top draft picks like Marco Kasper and Nate Danielson have not been able to push up the lineup. The Wings need someone to push Dylan Larkin for the mantle of top centre to be a contender. Trade targets might include centres, but perhaps also players who might help unlock the young centres on the team.
Quite frankly, the Wings are one of the most sensible landing spots for Darnell Nurse. He would upgrade the left side of their blueline, and they have a lot of cap space to work with. Salary can be retained, and perhaps a less ideal contract sent back to the Oilers. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might be a player the Wings have interest in as well. Perhaps a depth winger might make some sense, like Quinn Hutson.
Other options for Edmonton
While Cossa has proven himself worthy of a look in the NHL, he’s hardly the only goalie that might fit the description. Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres finds himself in a similar situation. Despite high draft pedigree and years of good work in the minors, a crowded crease and rising team expectations might squeeze him out of a job. Like Cossa, Levi will have to pass through waivers next season.
The Oilers have a young goalie of their own who might deserve consideration as well. Connor Ungar had a fantastic season in the AHL. While he does not have the pedigree of Cossa or Levi, he played up to that standard this past season.
Perhaps there is only room for one of these options in the Oilers crease next season. While it is a gamble, trusting a young goalie should pay off beyond this season as well. As much as next season is crucial for the Oilers, particularly in presenting the excellence required to re-sign McDavid, adding young NHLers can help sell the future and extend the team’s competitive window.
