Should the Oilers go after Tomas Vokoun?
Tomas Vokoun is still available.
The goalie who turns 35 July 2, will be an unrestricted free agent as of July 1. He told Mlada fronta Dnes, a major Czech newspaper, that he is not thinking of accepting an offer from Avangard Omsk of the Russian KHL, because the NHL remains his preference.
His last seaon, spent with the Florida Panthers wasn’t too shabby either: eighth among goalies with 92.2 per cent save average (on 1,616 saves), in 57 games, GAA 2.55, plus six shutouts.
According to Mlada fronta Dnes, Vokoun has heard from Philadelphia where the club is trying to decide whether to hire Ilya Bryzgalov whose rights it had obtained from the Phoenix Coyotes, or look elsewhere (such as
Vokoun) instead, and from the Coyotes who would like to replace the spot left by Bryzgalov’s departure.
“I would not be displeased if I got a good offer from Floria and accepted it,” the paper quotes Vokoun as saying. “But if I happen to get an offer from a team that might have a chance to challenge for the Stanley Cup, now, that might be irresistible.”
Like which team?
“Like Colorado,” Vokoun said.
Staples comment: If the Oilers are serious about competing now, Vokoun is their man. He’s a much better bet now than Nikolai Khabibulin was a few years back. Dubnyk’s game is strong, but Vokoun’s game is proven.
http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2011/06/16/should-the-oilers-go-after-tomas-vokoun/