Reports Confirm That a Trade is Brewing: One of the Edmonton Oilers' Top Scouts is Doing Extensive Research on the Canadiens' Goalies

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Elias Edmonson
December 11, 2023 (5:49 PM)

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The three-goalie situation in front of the CH's net has been causing a lot of buzz over the past few weeks. With this type of rotation, it's easy to imagine that one of the three goalies will leave the organization in a trade. And trade talk means proposals and rumors.

One of the teams that has been most often mentioned in these speculations is definitely the Edmonton Oilers. With their goalie duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, who are not breaking any records, many think they are missing an experienced netminder to move to the next level. The CH just happens to have one, who many believe is on the "block" in Jake Allen.

Not doing anything to quell the rumors between the two clubs, the GM of the Alberta team, Ken Holland, sent his right-hand man, his brother Brad Holland, to attend the game between the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens Sunday night at the Bell Centre. Edmonton's assistant GM was thus able to see Allen in action and report back to his boss.

Although he did a good job in front of the CH's net Sunday night, Allen has continued his losing streak, having now lost his last 7 starts. However, it's not his fault as he only let in two goals out of a total of 32 shots while his teammates were not able to produce in front of him.

In 11 starts this season, Allen has a record of 3-6-2, maintaining a save percentage of 0.901 and a goals-against average of 3.58. While these numbers may not be attractive to an NHL team, the way he played Sunday night is much more so.

It is hoped that Brad Holland liked what he saw because trading Allen will not be an easy task for the CH. In addition to his performances, which are getting better but not excellent, his contract of $3.85M for another season can scare many off. Kent Hughes will therefore have to agree to retain salary or lower his expectations if he really wants to trade his goalie.

A case to follow...