Could Sergei Bobrovsky join Edmonton Oilers this offseason?

The Edmonton Oilers are going to look at creative ways to upgrade their goaltending heading into next season, as they've become one step closer to Connor McDavid leaving with their recent Stanley Cup Playoff exit.

Connor Ingram is a free agent, and while he filled in admirably throughout the season, he fell short of getting the job done for the Oil. Tristan Jarry struggled with inconsistent play throughout his first half-season in Edmonton, and while he's under contract for a couple more years, GM Stan Bowman won't be shy trying to move Jarry if the right deal presents itself.

If Bowman is able to clear some cap space, with either moving Jarry or perhaps someone like a Darnell Nurse, to help reallocate some resources, there could be some cap space to take a run at veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Goalie Bob is a free agent, he's apparently far apart during contract negotiations with the Florida Panthers, and the Oilers could be a perfect destination for the Russian netminder. Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin linked Bobrovsky to the Oil in a recent piece highlighting the free-agent class.

Remember when ‘Bob’ had one of the NHL’s worst contracts a few years back? Now he’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers, a certified stud clutch goaltender, a 400-game winner and, having won two Vezina Trophies before signing with the Cats, a surefire Hall of Famer. Who would’ve expected he could ever flirt with another $10-million AAV on a contract? A goaltending-starved wannabe contender might pay him almost that much on a short-term deal next year. And the playoffs have only exposed how much certain teams (cough, Oilers, cough) need help in goal – essentially showcasing his value even though he’s idle. If Florida continues keeping the band together and inking players to team-friendly pacts that break the game, Bobrovsky could remain part of their future, but the recent scuttlebutt suggests the two sides aren’t aligned at the moment. Will ‘Bob’ make it to market after all?

Talking about joining the enemy, but at this point, if the Panthers turn their back on Bobrovsky, could you really blame him?

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images