from David Staples of the Edmonton Journal,

This in from the Edmonton Oilers, news that back-up goalie Mike Smith needs to go on Long Term Injured Reserve, meaning he will be out at least 10 games.

“The Oilers have placed goaltender Mike Smith on Long Term Injured Reserve & have reassigned Olivier Rodrigue (currently in the Austrian National League) to the club’s taxi squad, pending quarantine protocols.”...

Oilers GM Ken Holland is now on the hottest of seats. Other NHL GMs know he has in great need of a back-up goalie. What’s he going to do? Over pay? Patiently wait for some goalie to pop up on the waiver wire? In the next few weeks, Holland will be tested to come up with the right goalie at the right price. Good luck to him. It’s a tall order to fill.

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