from Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun,

The other three teams in Western Canada all appeared to improve. Not Edmonton. Not on paper.

The goaltending was the No.1 area the Oilers wanted to improve. But they were forced to declare themselves out on the bidding for Markstrom and others because of the price tags.

While they’ll remain in the scramble to acquire one, a lot of the eligible goaltenders available in free agency found new homes Friday.

Certainly there’s going to be no dramatic upgrade. They might even have to go back to Mike Smith.

The loss of Klefbom, likely for the entire season, was characterized by GM Ken Holland, as “a huge blow.”

Holland said Klefbom would be replaced by “someone more under the radar” meaning someone still available with a low price tag.

Basically the plan will be to give the talented but not yet developed depth at the position a chance to compete to claim the opportunity to play some of Klefbom’s minutes.

That may result in making the Oilers better in 2021-22. But for this coming compacted season, it’ll have to be a work in progress. And you’ll have to hope Ethan Bear and Caleb Jones avoid the sophomore jinx.

As for Turris and Puljujarvi, there will be a lot of wishing, hoping and probably praying involved.

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