Quoting: CD282
Goaltending is NOT holding the Oilers back despite missing their #1 for most of the season so far. There's no way they're trading a guy who is 11-2-0 playing behind a below average defense corps for a guy who is 0-4-0 while playing behind an above average defense corps AND GIVING UP TWO HIGH PICKS.
That's just a terrible deal for Edmonton.
As for next year, Edmonton already has 2 goalies signed, so unless they determine that Smith is going to retire, they probably aren't in the market for a goalie.
Goaltending isn't holding Edmonton back YET. I wouldn't be very confident heading into the playoffs with a Smith/Koskinen tandem. Especially when your competition is Markstrom, Lehner, Helle, Gibson (maybe) etc.
You need a goalie that can steal games to win the cup, not just an average goalie. Look at the last goalies to win the cup, or even play in the finals. They are all either elite or got extremely hot at the right time.
Varly isn't playing well this season but he's not old enough to be considered over the hill, he's posted solid numbers, and he's backstopped his team to b2b ECF's.
Also, the Islanders HAD a good defense. It's pretty bad this year, especially with their injuries.
Edmonton is never making the finals with a Smith/Koskinen tandem, and anything other than that with McDrai is a failure.