After being eliminated from the Western Conference Final to the Colorado Avalanche in just four games, Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith wasn’t ready to say whether or not he’d be back in action next season. However, team management and GM Ken Holland appear to be ready to find another option.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers might already have targeted another netminder to take over in between the pipes in Edmonton.
“Remember how much we were talking in January/February about [Ville] Husso and the Oilers? I just wonder if that one kicks up again in the offseason. I think the Oilers are preparing for the possibility of a future without Mike Smith, whether it’s retirement or it’s LTIR.”
Husso has shown what he can do with the St. Louis Blues and is a pending unrestricted free agent this summer. And it sounds like he’d like to test the market.
The Oilers have proven that they are contenders and only need a boost in net to make it happen: that might be the way to sale Husso on signing in Edmonton.
GM Holland could free up some space on the cap, especially if Smith lands on the long-term injured reserve. The 40-year-old put up a playoff record of 8-6 with a 3.37 GAA and a .913 SV%. Husso’s postseason stats were worse (3.67 GAA and a .890 SV%), however he did better in the regular calendar and could benefit from more games played as a Number 1 goalie.
If ever Smith decides to stay, signing Husso could give him an opportunity to play out his career in Edmonton as the backup.
Is Husso what the Oilers need to make it all the way?
