NHL Free Agency: 5 potential landing spots for Braden Holtby

1. Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers had the league’s top two scorers during the regular season (Leon Draisaitl-110 points, Connor McDavid -97 points), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also topped 60 points (61) for a top-heavy but productive offense.

But as has consistently been the case as Edmonton has tried to rise the ranks in recent years, goaltending was their undoing this year. Mike Smith (2.95 goals-against average, .902 save percentage) and Mikko Koskinen (2.75 GAA, .917 save percentage) were middle of the pack collectively during the regular season. But in the qualifying round loss to Chicago Koskinen had a 3.16 GAA and a .889 save percentage, while Smith allowed five goals in his lone start (.783 percentage)

Better play in front of the goalie would certainly help whoever was between the pipes for the Oilers. McDavid bluntly said as much after the series loss to the Blackhawks, presumably including a silent acknowledgment of his own need to be better defensively.

A capable and experienced goaltender with a recent and overall playoff resume might be the most important piece the Oilers have to try to add this offseason. Does that sound like anyone? The first picture next to those definitions (capable and experienced) among this year’s free agent goalies might be Holtby’s.

Other teams who could sign Holtby: Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals