Oilers Goaltending Search Limited by Tight Salary Cap

The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly seeking to upgrade their goaltending roster during the offseason. However, an anonymous NHL team executive has expressed significant doubt about the team’s ability to secure its top targets, citing major financial constraints as the central obstacle.

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An anonymous NHL team executive stated that the Edmonton Oilers have “no shot” at acquiring any of their four primary goaltending targets this summer. The executive attributed this to the team’s extremely limited salary cap space.

The Oilers are approximately $9.4 million over the salary cap for the next season. This figure includes the contract of injured goaltender Connor Brown. To become cap compliant, the team must clear significant money from its books.

The executive specifically mentioned that Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, Juuse Saros, and Filip Gustavsson are the goaltenders believed to be on Edmonton’s wish list. Acquiring any player of that caliber would require the Oilers to move out substantial salary in a trade, a maneuver deemed very difficult.

Summary

An NHL executive has cast doubt on the Edmonton Oilers’ offseason plans to secure a high-end starting goaltender. The team’s ambition is reportedly hampered by its current salary cap situation, which sees them over the cap by nearly $9.4 million.

The Oilers are linked with several notable goaltenders, including Jacob Markstrom and Linus Ullmark. However, the financial cost of such acquisitions presents a major hurdle.

To realistically pursue any of these targets, Edmonton would first need to trade away other players with significant salaries. The executive’s analysis suggests this cap clearance will be exceptionally challenging to achieve.

FAQs

Why can’t the Oilers afford a new goalie?
The Edmonton Oilers are currently projected to be approximately $9.4 million over the NHL’s salary cap for the upcoming season. This severe cap constraint limits their ability to take on a large new contract without first moving out other salaries.

Which goalies are the Oilers reportedly targeting?
According to the report, the Oilers’ primary targets are Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils, Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins, Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, and Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild.

What would the Oilers need to do to acquire one of these goalies?
To acquire a high-salary goaltender, the Oilers would need to execute a trade that sends out enough salary to become cap compliant and accommodate the new contract. The anonymous executive believes making such a salary-clearing trade is very difficult.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All information is based on verified reporting available at the time of publication.