Oilers Should Target Utah’s Karel Vejmelka

The Edmonton Oilers have found themselves in an interesting position heading toward the 2025 Trade Deadline. They have been playing well enough to be considered contenders as they push for their first Stanley Cup since 1990, but their recent skid and worsening defensive consistency have fans concerned they may need to make a couple of moves before they would be able to make a deep run into the postseason. One main issue for them has been their consistency between the pipes, as Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have both struggled to find a way to remain strong and have had quite a few off-games this season. If that continues, they may need to gauge the goaltending trade market. 

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One goaltender who could be available is Utah Hockey Club’s Karel Vejmelka, who has played well this season but may not be close to a new contract and could be moved at the deadline if the team continues to slip out of the postseason. A recent report from Darren Dreger indicates he could be available depending on how the next week or so looks for contract negotiations.

Ongoing contract discussions between Utah and goaltender Karel Vejmelka. Given recent goalie extensions there’s a decent crop of comps to work with. Depending on progress of negotiations, Vejmelka is potentially an interesting trade target.

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— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 22, 2025

Vejmelka, who is 28 years old, has posted a 2.52 goals-against-average (GAA) and a .909 save percentage (SV%) through 35 games played this season winning 14 of them and earning one shutout. Throughout his career, he has posted a 3.29 GAA and a .900 SV% through 175 games winning 58 of them and adding six shutouts. Vejmelka is in the final season of his three-year contract which has a $2.725 million cap hit, which is very affordable for any contending team.

What Would a Trade Look Like?

The Oilers will have the cap space to make any type of deal work considering they have the cap relief from Evander Kane who is on long-term injured reserve, and should have the assets to convince Utah to be open to making a move. They may have to part with a goaltender, and a couple of draft picks to make a deal happen, but considering he may only be a rental asset, the asking price may not be outrageous. I would guess a trade looks like the Oilers acquiring Vejmelka in exchange for Pickard, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

The only real obstacle for a trade here is convincing Utah to accept a deal and putting enough assets in the deal to make it worth their time. Vejmelka doesn’t have any trade protection included in his contract and doesn’t have to approve a deal to join the Oilers, but having no term left on his contract could be a bit of a concern. The Oilers have acquired rental players before at the trade deadline who have just re-joined the team they were traded from in free agency, most recently, Nick Bjugstad from the Arizona Coyotes.

The next week will be important for Utah, as they look to try and finalize an extension with their starting goaltender. If they can’t get close to a new deal, there will be several contending teams looking to bolster their goaltending depth that will call about Vejmelka’s availability. Hopefully, the Oilers can beat out some of those other teams and can bolster their depth between the pipes for a playoff run.

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