What will the CH do with Casey DeSmith? https://t.co/OA1Rlfi6pa
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 11, 2023
Casey DeSmith could become a solution for the Oilers in front of the net
Auteur: Manuel Sperandio-Lemay![Casey DeSmith could become a solution for the Oilers in front of the net](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/08/casey-desmith-1.jpg)
Casey DeSmith was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens a few days ago. That said, perhaps he’ll never suit up for the Flanelle.
That’s one of the reasons why we’re expecting him to be traded elsewhere between now and the start of the campaign.
A TVA Sports article mentions the Hawks, Blue Jackets, Capitals and Lightning as teams likely to be interested in the 31-year-old goaltender. The Jets and Oilers are also mentioned…
But I’m more interested in the Oilers. We all know that the Jack Campbell experiment didn’t (really) work out in Edmonton, and what’s complicated with him is his big contract.
Campbell is under contract for four more seasons (his pact expires at the end of the 2026-2027 season) and is paid $5 million annually. That’s a lot for a guy who got knocked out of the net in the last playoffs…
The Oilers relied on Stuart Skinner for much of the last series, and he didn’t get the job done when it mattered.
That’s “okay”, considering he’s only 24. He should have the chance to start next season as the Oilers’ number-one goalie…
And knowing that Campbell isn’t living up to the (high) expectations placed on him, the idea of sending him elsewhere is gaining ground.
Having a trusted second goalie on the Oilers’ side is important because the organization’s window of opportunity is right now.
Add to that the fact that the contracts of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are about to expire. The Oilers must do everything in their power to satisfy the organization’s two star players, otherwise it could lose them for absolutely nothing…
And that can’t happen. Especially when they’re among the top five players on the Bettman circuit.
By showing McDavid and Draisaitl that he’s serious about winning, GM Ken Holland gives himself a better chance of keeping them in town.
And by adding a trusted goaltender like Casey DeSmith to replace a guy we don’t trust (Jack Campbell), maybe it can help the team lift a Stanley Cup before too long.
In gusto
– I see McDavid and Pastrnak repeating the feat. And I also see Tage Thompson scoring 50 goals next season.
Who will hit the 50-goal mark again this upcoming season? 🚨 pic.twitter.com/i5TUHOODEG
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 11, 2023
– That’s his strength, scoring goals.
Tarasenko can score..no doubt there. https://t.co/xfPr3eoFSA
– Mike Commodore (@commie22) August 11, 2023
– With DeBrincat by his side, yes.
Last season, Dylan Larkin was one point shy of the 80-point mark. Is this the year he reaches it? 🧐 #FantasyHockey
Cc: @NHLFantasy
Read More ➡️ https://t.co/R8uS96ECQW pic.twitter.com/CJSR3JCydF
– NHL (@NHL) August 11, 2023
– Incredible story.
Looks like his statement was written by the owner. https://t.co/AyR2Q6SqhB
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) August 11, 2023
– He’s starting his season strong.
VIDEO – Compass in the eye for Haaland! https://t.co/zWaw6MDdJZ
– RDS (@RDSca) August 11, 2023