Report: Oilers and Penguins frontrunners in goalie sweepstakes

On CBC’s Saturday Headlines segment during last night’s Hockey Night in Canada broacast, Sportsnet analyst and NHL insider Nick Kypreos leaked the details of a potential trade scenario that has Western Canada all abuzz. 

According to Kypreos, Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli is considering Winnipeg Jets third-string goaltender Michael Hutchinson as a potential solution behind starter Cam Talbot.

“(There’s) a lot of interest, in terms of what Michael Hutchinson’s been able to do in the last 10 games in the American Hockey League — 9-1 with a save percentage of .950,” Kypreos said. “So it’s drawing interest, including from the Edmonton Oilers. We know that they need help with Cam Talbot out.”

Talbot has been out of the Oilers lineup for two weeks now and is nearing a return, but even when he’s back… can the Oilers trust the backup role to Laurent Brossoit? The youngster has been fairly inconsistent the past two weeks and with the Oilers on the outside of the playoff picture they can’t afford any missteps. 

There’s just one problem for Chiarelli and the Oilers when it comes to acquiring Hutchinson… they’re not the only team in need of a veteran backup. 

“Other notable teams that are looking for backups include the Florida Panthers with (Roberto) Luongo out,” reports Kypreos. “And perhaps watching (Tristan) Jarry in Pittsburgh get pulled after the first three goals on 16 shots (on Saturday), maybe Jim Rutherford would like to get some more NHL experience to back up Matt Murray.”

While there’s still a lot up in the air, it sounds like Hutchinson is likely to be moved one way or another. The 27-year-old goaltender has been a revelation for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose this season. He tops the league in save percentage and is third in GAA. With a $1.3 million price tag though, the Jets would like to move his salary off the books. So… where will he end up? Stay tuned.