Oilers in the Mix on Jake Allen but Have Competition

The Edmonton Oilers need a goaltender. Even if it's just to serve as backup for Stuart Skinner. Jake Allen of the Montreal Canadiens presents perhaps the best realistic option for the team right now, but the latest reports have other teams just as desperate for a netminder in the mix.

Oilers will Need to Make an Attractive Offer for Jake Allen

The rumour mill surrounding Jake Allen started pretty much as soon as the 2023-24 season did. The Habs have three goaltenders at the moment: Sam Montembeault, who was just re-signed to a three-year deal, youngster Cayden Primeau, and Allen. The team is in no rush to make a move, and may keep Allen around until the trade deadline if they don't get the offer they want. But with teams, including the Oilers, getting more separate, the trigger may get pulled earlier.




Mixing in with the Oilers are at least two other teams in a precarious position between the pipes right now. One of them is the Carolina Hurricanes, where Frederik Andersen is currently out with an injury, and the New Jersey Devils, who are looking for more consistency in net.

Oilers Have Some Stiff Competition if They want to Land Jake Allen

There are rumours that Oilers GM Ken Holland is willing to offer former 8th overall pick Philip Broberg as a sweetener to land a goaltender and/or to get rid of Jack Campbell. I'm not sure how attractive that is to other teams at the moment, but it may present an opportunity for the Canadiens, who are in the midst of a rebuild and more willing to take a chance on unproven youth. At the same time, Carolina and New Jersey also have picks or prospects for trades.