The Edmonton Oilers may seek to bolster their goaltending roster, with one insider connecting them to an interesting prospect.
Despite securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Final for two consecutive years, the Oilers have faced challenges in their goaltending performance. Throughout the playoffs, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard faltered and lost their starting positions.
While both players are under contract for the upcoming season, the Oilers have been mentioned in discussions regarding potential goalie acquisitions. NHL analyst Josh Wegman from theScore has indicated that Edmonton is considering Alexandar Georgiev.

Though Georgiev had a notably disappointing season last year, he is only two years removed from a performance featuring a . 918 save percentage and a seventh-place finish in Vezina Trophy voting. Wegman noted, āThe prospect of a goaltending tandem of Georgiev and Stuart Skinner is understandably concerning for Oilers fans, yet Georgiev presents more potential than Calvin Pickard, who is likely to clear waivers and serve as Edmontonās third goalie. Given the limited opportunities to enhance the goaltending situation, taking a chance on Georgiev with a low-cost, one-year contract might be worthwhile for the Oilers. ā
Georgiev is viewed as one of the prime goalies available, having recently concluded a three-year, $10.2 million contract. Despite last season’s poor performance, he is capable of being a legitimate starter in the NHL when at his best, which could justify the risk for Edmonton.
If Georgiev does not perform well, the Oilers can easily send him to the minors, keeping Skinner and Pickard as their primary options. However, with a scarcity of top goaltending talent this offseason, if Georgiev can recapture his form from two years ago, it would constitute a significant win for the Oilers.
Avalanche GM Felt Georgiev Shown Flashes of Being Good
The Colorado Avalanche acquired Georgiev and signed him to a three-year contract to assume the role of starter.

There was considerable enthusiasm surrounding Georgiev’s potential as a quality starting goalie, and while he performed well at times, there were also moments he was not effective. After the Avalanche traded him to the San Jose Sharks, Coloradoās general manager, Chris MacFarland, acknowledged Georgiev’s capabilities but noted his struggles during the season prompted the decision to move him.
“In Georgievās situation, he has demonstrated that he can be an effective goaltender in this league, as reflected by his win record in previous years and his playoff performance last year,” MacFarland remarked. “We were certainly conscious of our goaltending issues early in the season.
“That played a role in our decision-making. When one goalie encounters difficulties, itās essential for the other to step up. The challenge is compounded when both are struggling, which was the case at certain points for Georgiev and Annunen. Nevertheless, I believe both are capable goaltenders. “
Throughout his time with the Avalanche and Sharks, Georgiev accumulated a record of 15-26-4, a 3.71 goals-against average, and an . 875 save percentage.
Oilers GM Open to Making Goalie Move
Following Edmonton’s defeat in the Cup Final once more, Oilersā GM Stan Bowman hinted at the possibility of a goalie change or addition.

Both Skinner and Pickard struggled with consistency this season, prompting Bowman to consider all potential options. āPart of the assessment involves our current players, and if retaining this group is the best route, thatās certainly an option,ā Bowman stated. āSo, I canāt say definitively that we will be acquiring new goalies. ā
Even with the challenges, Bowman expressed confidence in proceeding into the upcoming season with Skinner and Pickard as their goaltending duo.