I'm not a James Nichols fan. Taking that with a big grain of salt - he's not stating anything too unsurprising. Lou isn't moving Varly unless it's a haul right or wrong

I can’t stand that guy but why wouldn’t Lou move Varlamov? The math isn’t in our favor and Sorokin is clearly the better goaltender.

I think he'll move Varly but not until the summer unless he's completely blown away. Unfortunately I don't see us selling at all. They may not swing for the fences, or even marginally buy, just stick with what we have until the summer. So Nichols' "report" is really just stating the obvious.

Thanks an overpay for sure

especially for a team that is likely to miss the playoffs this season.

I agree. Its doubtful that the Oilers have Varlamov at the top of the trade target list, and I think its incredible that anyone would suggest the Oilers give up those kinds of assets for him. Edmonton might be looking at the goaltender market and getting prepared for a move if Mike Smith can't regain his health and his 2020-21 form before the TDL. I believe Ken Holland prefers to acquire a veteran with an expiring contract because he can't fit a third goaltender in next season; Mike Smith remains under contract and Stuart Skinner will no longer be waiver exempt.

Ill informed?....Percentage wise in the Western Conference the Oilers at 11th in the Conference. Maybe just three teams make the playoffs from the Pacific. OK. want risk a lottery pick or Varly or whoever so be it. Agree with you an expiring contract is best for Oilers. Look at the22/23 they are right against the cap, maybe even over with the RFA they want to resign. Cap and therefore the goalie will depend on whether Keith retires.



I think this opinion is ill informed.

Why would the Oilers, a 7th place team, consider a TDL deal to upgrade its goaltending? Well, quite simply stated, they are a far cry from being out of contention for the Pacific Division title.

The roster that started the season 16-5-0 is only now getting back to health after a miserable run of injuries and COVID issues through December and January. As of this week, only Tyson Barrie is missing from the group that had the best points percentage in the league on December 2. Along with a return to health, the Oilers have just just added an elite power forward, and watched Dylan Holloway perform exceptionally well in the AHL. Within a month, Edmonton might have a very, very strong set of top three forward lines. If they can avoid further injury and COVID problems, and Smith can return to form, the Oilers might be one shut-down RD away from surprising a lot of critics. As of today, Edmonton has enough games in hand to overtake Vegas, more than enough games to overtake Anaheim, L.A., and San Jose, and only 2 points separate them from Calgary.

If we’re out of it why wouldn’t Lou sell, that makes no sense to hold on to players you can get picks for

Clutter, Parise , greene etc..

Stubborn? Maybe these guys ask to just stay put and Lou honors it? I dunno just have this weird feeling we aren't going to sell or buy, which will be stupid