This in from NHL insiders Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Johnston’s speculation that the Oilers should target for trade Anaheim goalie John Gibson and LeBrun’s notion that Montreal Canadiens d-man David Savard should be high on Edmonton’s radar.
Said Johnston of Gibson, 31, who has two years left on a deal that pays him $6.4 million per: “While Gibson may not be a priority addition, he could be a sensible one — especially in the scenario detailed above where he’s being acquired with a $3.2 million cap hit. Edmonton is all-in on chasing the Stanley Cup this season and the years beyond it when Gibson is under contract. The veteran is unquestionably an upgrade on what the Oilers currently have as a No. 2 to support Skinner.”
And LeBrun on Savard, 34, with a $3.5. million cap hit that ends this year: “There will be sexier trade targets on the market, to be sure, but I think as a sixth or seventh defenseman who can help kill penalties and who won a Cup with the Lightning — plus is a right-shot D — he’s a sensible idea for Edmonton. Especially considering I don’t think Savard would cost an arm and a leg. That will be appealing for an Oilers team without a first-round pick this year.”
