Islanders: 3 Destinations Varlamov Could Land if Traded

After a clean sweep in the Western Conference Final, the Oilers will surely be looking to upgrade their goaltending situation. The Oilers have already shown interest in Varlamov as one of the teams that reached out to Lamoriello at the trade deadline in February. It's believed that Edmonton was on Varlamov's no-trade list and was unwilling to waive his rights in order to be traded to Edmonton.

Could things have changed since then? Despite the sweep, the Oilers reached the Conference Finals after defeating the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames in the first two rounds. Connor McDavid willed his team to eight wins and Leon Draisaitl, despite the high-ankle sprain, was a force to be reckoned with. A chance to play with two of the best players in the NHL and the world could be enticing to Varlamov after watching how far they went in the playoffs.

Smith's future is unclear as of right now. He is signed for the 2022-23 season but it's believed the 40-year-old goaltender is contemplating retirement. As for Mikko Koskinen, it's rumored he has Koskinen has already accepted an offer to play for HC Lugano in the Swiss National League next season. So Edmonton will be searching for a goaltender one way or another. If it's Varlamov, that's up to him.