NHL Rumors: 2 Teams With Interest In Jake Allen



It appears Jake Allen's name is still on the trade block as this offseason progresses, and with the goaltending market thin for the remaining teams looking to add in net, he has become a decent option. There aren't a ton of impactful goaltenders still out there and two teams, the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres, have shown interest in Allen per Kevin Weekes.

The Oilers have the biggest need in front of them in net and recently freed up cap space to do something about it. Mike Smith will likely land on the LTIR (long-term injured reserve) while the team has Stuart Skinner ready to assume the role as a backup. Allen was once a starter for the St. Louis Blues, but has started 21 games, 27, and 35 games over the past three seasons. Sure, two of those has shortened schedules, but those are the numbers of a goaltender who will split time at very best.

Allen is 31 years old and appears to be a goaltender who can provide security for a team's goaltending situation or split time while putting up mediocre numbers. The Oilers are in search of a legitimate starting goaltender to help take them to the Stanley Cup. Allen is not that netminder, but it makes sense that they are covering their bases and showing interest as a backup plan.

The other team that has shown interest, the Sabres, have one goaltender signed for next season, Craig Anderson, a 41-year old. They had a goaltending carousel last season and have yet to sign restricted free agent Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to a deal. There is no doubt one will get done, but he will need a bit more time to develop before the Sabres throw him into a big role. Allen makes a lot more sense for Buffalo as he's signed for one more season and will help them reach the cap floor.

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