Hot rumors: a well-known goaltender and several NHL veterans are connected to the Edmonton Oilers

As the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a pivotal moment in their quest for Stanley Cup glory. With a roster that features generational talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have the offensive firepower to compete with the best in the league. However, despite their high-powered attack, the team’s Achilles’ heel has often been their goaltending and depth scoring, areas that have hindered their postseason success in recent years.

This has led to growing speculation surrounding potential trade targets for the Oilers, with rumors suggesting that the team is eyeing several high-profile players, including a well-known goaltender and a number of experienced NHL veterans. The Edmonton front office is fully aware that in order to compete for a Stanley Cup, they need to make strategic moves before the trade deadline to strengthen their roster and address weaknesses.

Here, we’ll dive into the hot rumors that have been circulating around the Oilers, exploring potential goaltender acquisitions and the veteran players who could provide valuable depth for the team.

Goaltending Woes: A Key Area of Concern for Edmonton

For all of the Oilers’ offensive prowess, goaltending has been a persistent concern. While goaltenders like Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have shown flashes of brilliance, they have been inconsistent, especially in high-stakes playoff games. The Oilers have long been searching for a reliable No. 1 goaltender who can carry the team through a deep playoff run, and it appears that the front office is actively exploring potential upgrades in net.

One of the most prominent names being linked to the Oilers is Marc-André Fleury, the veteran netminder who has seen success in the NHL for nearly two decades. Fleury, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, is considered one of the best goaltenders of his generation. Although Fleury is now in the twilight of his career, he has remained a strong presence in net for the Minnesota Wild, providing valuable leadership to a team on the rise.

Marc-André Fleury: The Veteran Leader Edmonton Needs?

Fleury’s name has surfaced in numerous trade rumors over the past few seasons, especially as his contract with the Wild nears its expiration. The Oilers are reportedly interested in bringing him in as a potential solution to their goaltending concerns. While Fleury’s days as a top-tier goaltender may be behind him, his experience and ability to perform in clutch situations make him a tantalizing option for Edmonton.

The Oilers are in win-now mode, and Fleury’s championship pedigree could be the missing piece that propels them toward postseason success. Fleury has always been known for his incredible agility, reflexes, and leadership on and off the ice. His experience would not only bolster the Oilers’ goaltending but also provide guidance to the younger players on the roster, including the likes of Skinner and Campbell.

While Fleury may not be the long-term solution in net, his addition could provide the Oilers with the stability they need to make a deep playoff run this season. With a Stanley Cup-winning pedigree and an ability to shine in the postseason, Fleury could be the ideal veteran presence to guide the Oilers on their championship quest.

Other Goaltending Options: What About John Gibson or Connor Hellebuyck?

While Marc-André Fleury is the most notable goaltender tied to the Oilers in recent rumors, there are other potential options on the market. One name that has been brought up in discussions is John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson has been one of the top goaltenders in the NHL over the past several seasons, though he has struggled with consistency in recent years. Despite playing behind a rebuilding Ducks team, Gibson’s talent is undeniable, and he could thrive on a contender like the Oilers, where the pressure would be lower.

Another goaltender who has been linked to the Oilers is Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Hellebuyck is widely regarded as one of the top goaltenders in the league, consistently ranking among the best in save percentage and goals-against average. However, the Jets’ situation has been fluid, with Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg uncertain. If he becomes available, Edmonton would be wise to explore the possibility of acquiring him.

Both Gibson and Hellebuyck would come with significant price tags, especially in terms of assets Edmonton would need to part with to acquire them. However, these goaltenders could be game-changers for the Oilers, providing a stable, reliable option in net that would bolster their chances in the postseason.

Veteran Players: Depth and Experience for the Oilers

While goaltending is the most urgent need for the Oilers, they also find themselves in search of veteran players who can add depth to their forward and defensive units. The Oilers are a star-driven team, but the importance of secondary scoring and defensive depth cannot be understated when it comes to playoff success. As such, rumors have surfaced that the Oilers are looking to add several experienced NHL veterans to their roster to fill out their depth lines and potentially strengthen their defensive core.

Veteran Forwards: Who Could the Oilers Target?

One of the key areas where the Oilers are looking to improve is their bottom-six forward group. While McDavid and Draisaitl are the focal points of the offense, the Oilers have struggled to get consistent production from their secondary scoring. Several veteran forwards have been linked to the Oilers in recent weeks as potential targets.

Max Domi of the Chicago Blackhawks is a name that has been floated in trade rumors as a potential fit for the Oilers. Domi is known for his physical play and ability to generate offense, making him a strong candidate for the Oilers’ bottom six. Domi brings a wealth of playoff experience and could provide the Oilers with a versatile forward who can play in various situations.

Another forward that could be of interest is Tyler Toffoli of the Montreal Canadiens. Toffoli has been a consistent goal-scorer throughout his career and could add an extra offensive dimension to the Oilers’ roster. Known for his ability to score in all situations, Toffoli would be a valuable addition to Edmonton’s lineup as they look to round out their forward group.

Defensive Depth: Adding a Reliable Veteran

In addition to strengthening their forward lines, the Oilers have also been rumored to be in the market for defensive help. Although the Oilers’ defensive corps has been much improved this season, there are still questions about their overall consistency, especially in high-pressure situations.

Mattias Ekholm of the Nashville Predators is a name that has been linked to the Oilers in recent trade rumors. Ekholm is a steady, two-way defenseman who could provide much-needed stability to the Oilers’ back end. His ability to play against top competition and his leadership qualities make him an ideal candidate to help guide Edmonton’s defensive unit, especially during a playoff push.

Jannik Weber of the Montreal Canadiens is another defenseman who could be of interest to the Oilers. While Weber is not as well-known as some of the other defensive options on the market, he is a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman who could add physicality and depth to the Oilers’ blue line.

What’s Next for the Oilers?

As the trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a critical position. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers are undoubtedly one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league. However, their postseason success hinges on their ability to shore up their goaltending and deepen their lineup with experienced veterans.

The goaltending market will be a key area to monitor in the coming weeks, with Marc-André Fleury, John Gibson, and Connor Hellebuyck being some of the top names that could potentially change teams. Additionally, the Oilers will need to make shrewd moves to add depth to their forward and defensive groups, ensuring they have the complete roster necessary to make a deep playoff run.