Late Friday night -- even after the Devils incredible comeback win over the Wild -- Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher sent G Anthony Stolarz to the Oilers in exchange for G Cam Talbot. One for one.
We like this move for both teams for a few reasons:
>>> The Oilers get to shed Talbot’s $4.1M (Average Annual Value) salary which will certainly help them this off season as they retool their entire roster to try and get superstar F Connor McDavid some help for 2019-2020.
>>> Edmonton gets a solid backup goaltender in Stolarz with potential to grow and develop on the cheap.
>>> The Flyers get a veteran net minder to help G Carter Hart mature on his way to inevitable stardom. The two reportedly have worked out together in the off season.
>>> Philly also gets a bump in goaltending for their potential playoff run as Talbot has been a proven entity at points in his career. He will definitely look better with the Flyers defense in front of him as opposed to whatever the Oilers put out on the ice night in and night out.
All in all both teams make out in this trade. Good on Chuck Fletcher for not sitting idly by and good on the Oilers for not flat-out losing a trade for once. Only time will tell who the clear winner is here. Easily could be both.