After going through the rigors of looking at the candidates for the head coaching vacancy, it’s time for us to shift gears in the off-season targets series. Today, we’ll start looking at goaltending, an area of concern for the Oilers.
Edmonton will have Ben Scrivens back next year, but he’ll be the team’s backup, while Laurent Brossoit will start in the AHL in Bakersfield. That means Edmonton needs a starter in the NHL, and a backup in the AHL. We know the team is targeting Matt O’Connor for the AHL opening, but what about the NHL one?
One of the many options is veteran Craig Anderson, who had a bit of a crazy season in Ottawa this past year. Anderson is a proven starter, but may be used as trade bait this summer by the Senators in an effort to improve other areas of the roster.
Why Is He Out There:
The Senators have a bit of a logjam in net right now. Robin Lehner is the man of the future for the Senators, while Andrew Hammond led them to the playoffs this year with his ridiculous late season stretch. The Sens already said they will attempt to sign Hammond, and have hinted that they would make a move if he re-signed with the club.
The team is also in on college UFA G Matt O’Connor, who is expected to make his decision soon. That means the numbers game might force the veteran out. Anderson potentially moving really doesn’t have much to do with his play, rather his age, contract and the logjam cause this.
What Does He Do Well:
He stops pucks, plain and simple. Craig Anderson is a proven NHL goaltender, who usually clocks in around the league average when it comes to save percentage year after year. This past season, in 35 games, Anderson had a .923 SV% with a pretty solid 2.49 goals against average.
Last season, in 2013-14, Anderson posted a .911 mark in 53 games, while in 2012-13 he had a .941 mark in 24 tilts. Outside of 2013-14, Anderson has been above average for the Senators in recent years. All three of those years would be sensational by Oiler standards too. Even his .911 mark last year would have been far and away this years top mark in Edmonton.
He’s able to play about 50-60 games a season and perform at or above league average. He’s a good goaltender that plays for an average at best hockey club. Craig Anderson can stop pucks, plain and simple, he’s a reliable option for any NHL team.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play:
If the Oilers trade for Craig Anderson, he would be the starting goalie for the team at the NHL level, no debate, no doubt. Laurent Brossoit simply is not ready for full-time NHL employment right now, and Ben Scrivens proved this year he is nothing more than a solid back-up. Anderson would represent Edmonton’s number one option.
Luckily, that’s where he should be too. Craig Anderson is a middle of the pack goaltender in the NHL who absolutely is a proven number one. He’d be a starter on about 16 NHL teams, with Edmonton being one of them. Where he’d play and where he should play are right in the range here. He’s a good fit.
What Will He Cost:
Tough to say what the asking price here will be, but I’d suggest it’s less than other goaltending options. The Senators are a budget team, and likely wouldn’t want to take any big salary back. On top of that, the Sens wouldn’t be asking for a goaltender, because they have so many in the system already.
I’d imagine a second round pick and a low level prospect, think Mitch Moroz, gets this deal done if Ottawa is looking for futures. If the Senators want a roster option, I’d think a one-for-one deal involving Anderson for Anton Lander or Martin Marincin could be in the cards.
Closing Argument:
The Edmonton Oilers need a starting goaltender, and Craig Anderson is a proven option at the NHL level. He’s not an elite goalie, but he is an average to above average goalie who represents a massive upgrade for Edmonton in a key spot. He’ll cost assets, but I’d argue he is better than every UFA option on the market this July.
If Edmonton can land Anderson for a fair price, I’d say pull the trigger, it improves the team in a big way.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
