Oilers Negotiations With Mike Smith Moving Slowly, Other Teams Waiting

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated 7/15/21

As per TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Edmonton Oilers are working with goaltender Mike Smith and trying to come to terms with the veteran. Dreger says talks have been positive, but seemed to hint that things were moving rather slowly. Not only has GM Ken Holland been busy — trading for Duncan Keith and he’s rumored to be among the teams making a pitch for Zach Hyman — but this could also be a dollars and cents thing.

“I’m told that they are negotiating to get things done and it’s a slow moving process but I’m also told that if Mike Smith becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 28th, despite the fact that his best years are likely behind him, there are clubs with interest.”

Dreger said the Oilers have some work to do, but it will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds. Right now, they still have Mikko Koskinen under contract for another season and it seems pretty obvious the Oilers will be looking at a number of the potential free agent netminders available. In many ways, there might be more goalies available than there are teams willing to hand out big money. Could this be the Oilers moving slowly here? Or, is this Mike Smith realizing that he had a fantastic season and he wants to get the best possible deal he can?

There could be a few ways to look at this news. The source could be Smith’s agent, potentially trying to let it be known that Smith is wanted, thus pushing Holland to make the first move. Or, this could be that Smith is reading the tea leaves and that he’s aware they may be looking for a starter.

Still, at 39 years old, he’s not likely to be signed as a started in another city. At best, he’s probably a 1B or a backup and he won’t be getting a long-term extension with a team.

Will Holland Give Smith Money?

Smith’s case is an interesting one. Will the Oilers reward him with a nice payday after a great season that no one expected? Giving him too much could prove problematic if he doesn’t repeat his performance. Or, will they look at his age, the market and be willing to stand pat on a number they’re comfortable with?

There could be a lot more movement in goal for the Oilers and there might be none. It’s about 50/50 that the goaltending tandem is totally different and just as likely Holland waits another year to make his big move.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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