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Oilers May Be Interested in Two Big-Name Goaltenders [Report]

Pierre LeBrun believes the Edmonton Oilers could kick tires on both Robin Lehner and Jacob Markstrom.

In a recent article for The Athletic (subscription required), well-respected hockey insider Pierre LeBrun took a look at goaltenders Robin Lehner and Jacob Markstrom and suggest their decisions this offseason will set the tone for the rest of the goaltending marketplace.

The overwhelming belief is that the Vancouver Canucks will get a deal done with Markstrom, securing their No. 1 netminder for the long-haul. Still, that deal isn’t done and other insiders like Elliotte Friedman continue to repor that the negotiations are brutal between the two sides.

Lehner, on the other hand, is looking to cash in this offseason. While the Golden Knights would love to retain the guy who has seemingly won the starting role during this year’s playoffs, money is an issue. First, the Golden Knights are strapped for cash. Second, Lehner wants a lot of it.

Lehner will likely sign with any team willing to pony up the money and term he feels he’s deserved after a number of seasons being underpaid and undervalued. That’s only fair. He’s waited his turn and is proving he’s worth every penny.

In looking at what both goalies might do and understanding their stories are quite unique from one another, LeBrun brought up the Oilers.

Where Edmonton Fits Into All of This

LeBrun listed other teams as well, but did spend some time on the Oilers and said, “Edmonton would be another possibility.”

He explained that current backup (or 1B depending on how you view Edmonton’s goaltending situation) Mike Smith could be on his way out. Now 38, Smith is UFA this fall and should he leave, there’s a natural opening alongside Mikko Koskinen. Koskinen has two more years on his current deal and the Oilers need to find another partner, potentially someone who can grab the starting role and never look back.

Going after either Lehner or Markstrom isn’t exactly an easy thing to do from an Oilers’ perspective. Koskinen will make $4.5 million this coming season and the one after that and a tight cap means Edmonton won’t have much room to add a top-level goalie. Still, LeBrun points out, “But if you’re looking to take the next step as an organization, finding a true No. 1 has to be a top priority.” He adds, “A Lehner-Koskinen tandem would do that.”

Perhaps the bigger change would come to the Oilers if Markstrom somehow wound up on the open market. LeBrun said, “By the way, if for whatever reason Markstrom isn’t able to re-sign with the Canucks, I think the Oilers will inquire on that front as well.”

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