The Edmonton Oilers continue searching for help in goal, but one potential target appears to be off their list. According to NHL goalie analyst Kevin Woodley, Michael DiPietro is not viewed as a fit under new head coach Mike Babcock.
Speaking on The Jason Gregor Show, Woodley dismissed the possibility of Edmonton targeting the AHL standout.
“Michael DiPietro is not going to be a pick for the Edmonton Oilers because their new head coach doesn’t like small goalies,” Woodley said.
He added, “Traditionally, talking to people around it and people who have been around Mike Babcock in other organizations, he just doesn’t like small goalies. So DiPietro is not an option.”
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That shifts attention to other names as general manager Stan Bowman looks to stabilize a crease that remains unsettled entering free agency. The Oilers have only goalie Tristan Jarry under contract, who struggled immensely last season and lost his starter role.
Senators’ Leevi Merilainen emerges as an alternative for Oilers
Ottawa Senators goalie Leevi Merilainen looks at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
Woodley pointed to Ottawa prospect Leevi Merilainen (8-10-1 last season) as a possible buy-low candidate despite his difficult NHL season.
“You know who had a terrible season last year but is a legit prospect… Leevi Meriläinen,” Woodley said.
He added that several goalie coaches still see long-term upside.
“They’re like, ‘Yeah, he’s not that far removed from giving you Jakub Dobes minutes.’”
Still, Woodley questioned whether Edmonton can afford another development project.
“But if you’re the Oilers, can you afford that type of project? That’s where it’s really hard to find a fit,” Woodley said.
Woodley also noted the lack of dependable veterans available.
“You go shopping on the veteran free-agent list… there are not a lot of guys there where there’s some reliability.”
Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins is also an option
Elvis Merzlikins looks on at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Another experienced option is also gaining traction. On Oilers Now, Frank Seravalli told Bob Stauffer that Elvis Merzlikins (14-11-3 last season) is the most likely addition for Edmonton over the next 72 hours.
Merzlikins appears to be the safer fit. His numbers were below average last season, but he has significantly more NHL experience than Merilainen. Edmonton cannot afford another lengthy experiment after last year’s instability in goal.
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The Oilers need dependable goaltending behind a roster built to compete for the Stanley Cup. Whether Bowman pursues Merzlikins or another veteran, reliability should outweigh long-term upside at this stage of the team’s championship window.
Apart from running it back with the Jarry-Connor Ingram tandem, these two are options that the Oilers can pursue.
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