Oilers going after new trade target once trade freeze lifts

The Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending picture grew murkier last week when Tristan Jarry was forced to leave a win over the Boston Bruins after coming up slowly while pushing his leg across the crease. The concern lingered. Last Friday, Edmonton placed Jarry on injured reserve and recalled Connor Ingram from the AHL, a move that stabilizes things short-term but leaves questions unanswered.

Those questions may grow louder once the NHL’s trade freeze lifts.

With uncertainty around Jarry’s timeline, Edmonton could be pushed into exploring external options, and Buffalo remains a logical place to look. The Sabres are currently carrying three NHL goalies:Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Colten Ellis, and Alex Lyon. A surplus that may be difficult to maintain long-term.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers’ interest in Lyon isn’t new. On 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Friedman noted that Edmonton explored signing the veteran netminder as a free agent this summer and has revisited that interest during the season. The Oilers, he said, have contacted Buffalo multiple times in recent weeks to gather information.

“Edmonton has spoken about (Lyon), they’ve done their research on him, they’ve looked into him again this season, they called the Sabres a couple of times in recent weeks, I think before Kekalainen was officially hired,” Friedman said. “It comes down to, is Buffalo ready to do this, and it also comes down to how serious Jarry might be hurt.

“But I wouldn’t be surprised if Edmonton makes a call to Buffalo Friday if they haven’t already.”

The decision may ultimately hinge on two variables: how long Jarry’s absence turns out to be, and whether the Sabres are ready to move one of their goalies. Lyon, a journeyman with NHL experience and steady results in limited roles, fits the profile of a short-term stabilizer rather than a long-term solution, but that may be exactly what Edmonton needs.

If Jarry’s absence extends beyond the short term, the Oilers may have little choice but to act. And once the freeze is lifted, Buffalo’s phone could start ringing…