Oilers Add Gerber to Depth

Goaltending is a definite concern of the Edmonton Oilers and I think that stems more from the state of Nikolai Khabibulin's legal proceedings more than anything.  With Jeff Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk already signed on, their tandem from the end of the 2010 season, the Oilers obviously wanted to get a little bit more insurance for the start of the year by signing Martin Gerber to a new 1-year deal, which is a two-way deal, worth the league minimum, $500,000. 

Gerber signed in the KHL last Summer after having a very tumultuous finish to his last stint in the NHL, playing between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs.  In the KHL, Gerber got down to business and put up some really good numbers, including a 15-6-6 record, with 2 shutouts and a .914 save percentage.  I don't imagine the pressure on him was that great in the KHL, so any return to the media spotlight, especially in Edmonton, might be a shot of cold air on the cheeks, but at least he has some sort of numbers that could boost his confidence.

Unless he comes to camp filled with piss and vinegar, I don't really see Gerber making too much of an impact with the Oilers, but bigger surprises have happened. Since the pressure is off of Gerber and the Oilers are in a bit of a dilemma in net, it could be the perfect marriage with all things being considered.  Right now, he has to rank 4th on the depth chart, but I don't think it would be wise to count him out right now.  Credit to the Oilers for planning a little further in advance.