Report: Oilers lose Mike Smith for even longer than they expected

Injured Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith has reportedly suffered a set back in his recovery from a lower body injury that he sustained late last month as a result of teammate Devin Shore falling on top of him during a game.

Smith had joined the team on their road trip and head coach Dave Tippett was hopeful that the veteran netminder could get in a game or two, but told media this morning that Smith has in fact returned to Edmonton for further treatment.

Smith was stellar for the Oilers last season and signed a two year contract extension with the team this past offseason, but he's been limited to just three games for the team this season due to injury. Backup Mikko Koskinen has never really inspired confidence, even if his numbers aren't half bad this season. Veteran Alex Stalock is also with the club, but he's on long-term injury reserve.

No doubt the team is looking hard at reigning Vezina Trophy winner Marc Andre Fleury of the Chicago Blackhawks reports TSN's Chris Johnston. Blackhawks interim GM Kyle Davidson is reportedly working the phones in an effort to give Fleury a fresh start elsewhere and don't be surprised if the man they call Flower ends up in Oil Country.

From Johnston's most recent TSN appearance:

“I think that they (Oilers) understand what this season means. I see them trading for a (defenseman) before the deadline and I see them getting another goaltender and that goaltender might be the reigning Vezina Trophy winner.”

- Chris Johnston, TSN

The Blackhawks have been abysmal so far this season, but Fleury can hardly be blamed for that. It's true that he sports a dreadful 3.81 goals against average and .892 save percentage in nine games to start the season, but let's not forget that this is a guy who put up a sparkling 1.98 goals against average and .928 save percentage with a competent defence in front of him last season.

The sticking point, of course, is Fleury's $7 million salary. The Oilers would likely need to get rid of Koskinen and his $4.5 million salary, which could be tricky given that he has a 10 team no-trade clause thanks to former Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli.