NHL Rumors: Oilers Linked To Coyotes Goaltender

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers have expressed interest in Arizona Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka.

HNIC 32 Thoughts -- Canadian Olympic Team/Oilers/Vejmelka/Kane & WASH/Chychrun/Kadri new agent/NYR & DeBrusk (helps to include video): https://t.co/nGDVfjqJkc
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 23, 2022

Vejmelka has been a nice feel-good story this season for the Coyotes. After spending multiple years playing in the Czech Republic, he suddenly found himself on Arizona's NHL roster and is now their starting goaltender. On the season, he has a 6-15-1 record, a .905 save percentage and, a 3.28 goals-against average. That honestly isn't bad for a 25-year-old rookie playing for one of the weakest teams in the entire league.

When looking at how unreliable Edmonton's goaltending has been this season, it isn't surprising to see them pursue Vejmelka. However, Friedman also noted that the goalie may not be available because the Coyotes would rather sign him to an extension. However, with them in the middle of a giant rebuild, maybe they would move him for the right price.

Whether it's Vejmelka or someone else, they desperately need to upgrade in net. With Mikko Koskinen struggling significantly and Mike Smith's constant injury trouble, it's clear that the tandem isn't working.