Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The buzz around the league continues, as coaches are getting dismissed but those teams are playing better afterwards. Marc-Andre Fleury did not get the proper send-off he deserved in his potential final game in Pittsburgh. Speaking of goalies, the carousel is going fast around the league in that regard. Today’s rumours focus on the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings.
NHL Rumours
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Elliote Friedman on 32 Thoughts discusses what the Oilers will do with their goaltending
The hottest topic has been the Edmonton Oilers and for good reason. This is a team capable of contending and having the two best players in the world helps. However, the team got off to a disastrous start and ended up firing Jay Woodcroft because of it. They’ve managed to right the ship recently and have gone 10-5 since the coaching change.
Stuart Skinner has also turned a corner and has been the goalie that has helped backstop the team to those ten wins. However, the team still would like to address the goaltending position. It appeared like it was a matter of time before Jack Campbell got brought back up, but he has not played well in the AHL.
He has lost his last three starts and has posted goals-against averages of 5.08, 4.01, and 4.00. In addition, Campbell has failed to have a save percentage above .900 in those starts and the hit streak appears to have come to an end.
Skinner can shoulder the load for the most part but having him not run out of gas is the priority.
Los Angeles Kings
Rumour: Kevin Weekes discusses the goalie situation in Los Angeles
The next set of NHL Rumours keeps us in the Pacific Division and regards the same position. Los Angeles has been one of the better teams in the Western Conference and is getting the proper goaltending. Cam Talbot has been everything you could ask for in a free-agent signing. He has the fourth-lowest goals-against average (2.02), eighth-lowest save percentage (.928) and the sixth-best goals saved above expected (10.9). Furthermore, Pheonix Copley had also been good but has been dealt a big blow.
Copley will miss time but will return at some point this season. Between him and Talbot, Los Angeles has the seventh-best save percentage and has been a key reason for the Kings success. Weekes says they are looking for help to get by before Copley returns. It’s a wise decision, as Talbot is creeping up there in age and you want him for a playoff run. Keeping him fresh and charged up is huge for them as we advance. However, adding does have its downfalls.
The Kings are up against the salary cap and Viktor Arvidsson is looming as a return. He comes with a hefty price tag and having that salary cap on the roster makes it hard to add anything significant.
The goalie carousel continues as numerous teams are potentially going to upgrade in the crease. Add the Kings to that list of teams to watch.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
