The Emil Vinni signing news came as a surprise earlier this week. Not because of Vinni’s ability, but because of the logjam the Edmonton Oilers already have between the pipes. 

You’ve probably forgotten, but Vinni was the No. 1 European goaltender heading into the 2024 NHL Draft. After no goaltenders went in the first round, the Oilers took him 64th overall. The highest pick they spent on a goaltender since Olivier Rodrigue, 62nd overall in 2022.

Over the past few years, Edmonton has adopted the philosophy of drafting a goaltender every year, with Vinni making it the third year in a row a goaltender was selected. Now, that streak has grown to five, with the Daniel Salonen and Ryan Cameron selections. It’s a good group with promising potential.

Why did the Edmonton Oilers sign Emil Vinni despite goaltending depth?

Vinni’s signing means Edmonton has eight goaltenders split between their three professional teams. We can obviously eliminate Frederik Andersen, Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry. They’re locked into the NHL team. That leaves Vinni, Connor Ungar, Nathaniel Day, Samuel Jonsson and veteran goaltender Matt Tomkins.

Vinni is an interesting case. He had major back surgery before the 2024........

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