Photo credit: ESPN

Surprising Goalie Has Just Become Available for the Oilers and Holland might Make a Move

Published December 18, 2023 at 2:14 PM
BY DAWSON MCKENZIE

The Oilers are in need of some help in net, and this surprising goalie has just become available. Now, it appears Holland might pull the trigger to acquire him.

Holland Eyes Coyotes' Vejmelka As Potential Trade Target



The Edmonton Oilers are clearly in a position where they need to still make some moves in order to salvage their season. The main move that everyone is expecting from GM Ken Holland is a trade for a new goaltender, as they sent Jack Campbell to the minors after a struggling start to the year.

Now, one surprising goaltender has hit the trade block, getting interest from several teams. That is Karel Vejmelka of the Arizona Coyotes.


👀 Although he enjoys being an @ArizonaCoyotes , Vejmelka's drawing interest from several teams looking at upgrading their G position. Great value contract and really good metrics since becoming an @NHL Goalie . #HockeyX #HockeyTwitter


Should the Oilers Take a Swing at Vejmelka?



The Oilers, after riding an 8-game winning streak, appeared to have things figured out for the first time this season. However, two consecutive losses show that things aren't perfect in Edmonton, and they could really use the extra firepower in net.

Vejmelka has mediocre numbers this year, only playing in 12 games for the Coyotes and recording a 3.5 goals-against average with a save percentage of .892. While those numbers aren't great, they are likely worsened due to playing for a struggling Coyotes Team and aren't the full picture of Vejmelka's play.


The biggest draw to Vejmelka is likely his cap hit, coming in only at 2.725 until 2024-25. Finding a way to shed Campbell's contract, even in retaining a portion for some time, the Oilers could actually make a deal like this work.

As seen on Oilers Daily - "Surprising Starting goaltender reportedly available for trade"
POLL
December 18   |   217 answers
Surprising Goalie Has Just Become Available for the Oilers and Holland might Make a Move

Do you think the Oilers should trade for Vejmelka?

Yes14165 %
No7635 %
LIST OF POLL
Latest 10 stories