Oilers Fear Klingberg Problem Could Resurface in Potential Goalie Trade

Sportsnet and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman previously linked Laurent Brossoit as a possible goaltending option for the Edmonton Oilers. Suggesting the price to acquire Brossoit wouldn’t be expensive, the Chicago Blackhawks netminder might not be an upgrade, but he could be a solid Plan B if Edmonton feels the need to make a goalie change.

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Friedman also reports that cold water was poured on his theory.

During the most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, he explained:

“I had someone who said to me that they would be surprised if the Oilers go after Brossoit because last year they had [John] Klingberg, who went through a long-term injury, hadn’t played in a while, and it took him a while to get going.” Friedman added, “So, he’s he said it doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It doesn’t mean they won’t be interested or look. But, Klingberg actually started to play a lot better once the playoffs got going, but it took a while and I’m just not sure the Oilers feel they have months to wait for Brossoit to get up to speed.”

Friedman said he could see other teams trying it but was wondering if the Oilers’ experience with Klingberg would prevent them from going after him in a trade. Co-host Kyle Bukauskas then reminded Friedman that the money doesn’t necessarily work either. He responded, “…and to your point, $3.3M is greater than Skinner’s $2.6M.”

In other words, the Oilers would have looked at Laurent Brossoit in most situations. But because things are tight and the team is vying for a Stanley Cup with little wiggle room to make a mistake, adding a goaltender with injury history is too big a risk.

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