Oilers linked to one specific goalie as Stan Bowman seeks replacement for Calvin Pickard, per NHL analyst
Photo credit: Edit from Oilers Nation
NHL analyst Liam Horrobin has linked the Oilers to Sabres' Alex Lyon, as Edmonton GM Stan Bowman continues to search for a backup goalie improvement.
Tristan Jarry was one of the bigger splash trades in last week's goalie market, but it appears as though Stan Bowman isn't yet satisfied with the depth behind his new starter in Edmonton.
Bowman currently finds himself weighing options in goal to upgrade his backup in Edmonton. One of those options may be Buffalo Sabres goalie Alex Lyon.
What is causing the Sabres to dangle their goalies as trade bait
As NHL analyst Liam Horrobin explains, the Edmonton interest in Lyon is partly due to the crowded net in Buffalo. Lyon, who is 33, signed with the Buffalo Sabres during the offseason last year on a contract of $1.5 million for a year.
"Stan Bowman was active in the goaltending market last week, acquiring Tristan Jarry, but the Edmonton Oilers' general manager may not be done yet. Bowman is still looking to improve his backup situation, and that addition could be Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon."
- Liam Horrobin
- Liam Horrobin
Buffalo currently uses a three-man goalie rotation throughout the season, featuring Lyon, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Colten Ellis.
Given the hiring of Jarmo Kekäläinen to handle hockey ops following the departure of Kevyn Adams, the management of the goalie depth might just become an important consideration.
This was reinforced recently by the Sabres' coach, Lindy Ruff, when roster limitations were considered in making decisions on other matters.
Why Alex Lyon would be a good backup option for the Oilers despite his age
In spite of being the oldest of the three goalies Buffalo boasts, Lyon has been the most productive one, playing in 17 games, boasting a save percentage of .905 and a GAA of 2.99.
In the NHL, Lyon has accumulated a total of 130 games since his debut back in the 2017-2018 season, including a coming-out party during the Panthers' push towards the playoffs during the 2022-2023 season, which saw the team advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
As for Edmonton's decisions, a deal with Lyon would be possible, as was the trade that saw Colorado get Scott Wedgewood in exchange for a depth goalie and a mid-round pick.
Horrobin doesn't think that a one-for-one deal with Buffalo for Calvin Pickard would happen, although throwing in draft picks could get them there.
Edmonton would also need to find space on its roster, most likely by getting rid of Pickard or through AHL roster moves.
The latest moves in Edmonton, of course, suggest that Bowman has a stabilization strategy for the position, and a move for Lyon would align with that.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 149 ANSWERS Oilers linked to one specific goalie as Stan Bowman seeks replacement for Calvin Pickard, per NHL analyst Should the Oilers replace Calvin Pickard with Alex Lyon? | ||
| Yes | 108 | 72.5 % |
| No | 41 | 27.5 % |
| List of polls | ||