There are few chances for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire a top goalie during the winter; a trade is most likely.

The Edmonton Oilers, with their elite offensive tandem of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have been one of the most dynamic and potent teams in the NHL for several seasons now. The Oilers have made significant strides in recent years, becoming a consistent playoff contender. However, despite having one of the most explosive offenses in the league, they have struggled to put together a complete roster capable of securing a Stanley Cup. One glaring issue that has plagued the Oilers for some time is their goaltending situation.

For years, the Oilers have been in search of a true number-one goalie, someone who can consistently perform at an elite level and provide stability at the most important position in hockey. Despite the presence of solid netminders like Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen in recent seasons, the team has not been able to rely on a goaltender who can take them to the next level. With the winter months rapidly approaching and the trade deadline looming, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the chances of acquiring a top-tier goalie via free agency are slim, meaning that the most likely path for the Oilers to address their goaltending woes is through a trade.

The Current Goaltending Situation in Edmonton

As of the 2025 NHL season, the Oilers’ goaltending situation remains somewhat uncertain. While Stuart Skinner, a promising young goaltender, has shown flashes of potential, he has yet to prove himself as the reliable starting goalie that the team needs. Skinner has had some impressive performances but has also struggled with consistency, which is a concern for a team looking to compete for a Stanley Cup. On the other hand, Jack Campbell, who was signed by the Oilers in the offseason to provide stability in net, has been solid but not extraordinary. His performances have been adequate, but it’s clear that the Oilers need a true difference-maker between the pipes to match the caliber of talent they have on the rest of the roster.

While Skinner and Campbell are capable goaltenders, neither has established themselves as an elite option, and that raises questions about the Oilers’ ability to make a deep playoff run with the current duo. When looking at the upper echelon of teams in the NHL—such as the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, or the Boston Bruins—the common denominator is excellent goaltending. Teams that succeed in the playoffs are often able to rely on their goalie to make key saves, keep them in games, and provide stability at the most crucial moments. Unfortunately, the Oilers have yet to find that level of consistency in net, which has been a key reason why they have fallen short of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in recent years.

Why Acquiring a Top Goalie Is Crucial for the Oilers

The Oilers are in a prime window to win now. McDavid and Draisaitl, two of the best players in the world, are in their peak years and playing at an incredibly high level. The team’s offense is not the problem; the issue lies in goaltending and defense. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers can score with anyone in the league, but the lack of stability in goal has undermined their efforts.

The NHL is a goaltending league, and having a top-tier goalie is often the difference between a playoff team and a championship contender. When it comes down to a best-of-seven series in the postseason, goaltending can be the most important factor. Teams with elite goaltenders can ride their netminders to victory in tight games, while teams with shaky goaltending often find themselves losing in the postseason, even if their offense is firing on all cylinders. For the Oilers, addressing their goaltending situation is vital if they want to make a deep playoff run and contend for the Stanley Cup in the near future.

Furthermore, the Oilers have the luxury of being in a position where they can afford to make a bold move to acquire a top goalie. With the cap flexibility they currently have, they can take on the salary of a high-end goaltender, provided they can make the right deal. The Oilers also have a number of assets—young players, draft picks, and prospects—that could make them a competitive suitor in the trade market for a top-tier goalie.

The Trade Market: The Likely Path to Acquiring a Top Goalie

While free agency may be an option for some teams looking to acquire a top-tier goalie, it’s unlikely that the Oilers will find the answer in this market during the winter months. The best goaltenders in the league tend to be locked into long-term contracts with their current teams, and the few goalies who are available via free agency typically don’t offer the kind of elite performance that the Oilers need. This means that the most likely avenue for the Oilers to acquire a true number-one goalie is through a trade.

Several teams around the league have strong goaltending depth, and the Oilers could look to make a deal with one of these teams in order to secure an upgrade. There are a few potential targets on the trade market who could significantly improve the Oilers’ chances of winning a championship.

1. Marc-André Fleury (Minnesota Wild)

Marc-André Fleury, the future Hall-of-Fame goaltender, could be a prime trade target for the Oilers. While he’s on the back end of his career, Fleury is still capable of playing at a high level. His experience, leadership, and clutch performances in the playoffs make him an intriguing option for the Oilers. The Wild may be looking to move Fleury if they are not in contention for the Stanley Cup, and Fleury would provide the Oilers with a proven winner who can step in and provide stability in net. His ability to play in high-pressure situations would make him an ideal fit for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.

2. Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)

Another name that could be on the trade block is Connor Hellebuyck, the starting goalie for the Winnipeg Jets. Hellebuyck is one of the top goaltenders in the NHL and has consistently delivered strong performances for the Jets. His size, athleticism, and ability to steal games would make him an ideal fit for the Oilers. The Jets have been in a bit of a rebuild mode, and it’s possible that they could look to move Hellebuyck for the right return. If the Oilers can land him, Hellebuyck would instantly upgrade their goaltending situation and give them a legitimate number-one goalie for the first time in years.

3. Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators)

Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators is another potential target for the Oilers. Saros has established himself as one of the top young goaltenders in the league, and he has the potential to be a long-term solution for Edmonton in net. The Predators are in a similar position to the Oilers, as they are a team with playoff aspirations but lacking the elite goaltending necessary to compete for a championship. If the Predators decide to rebuild, they could look to trade Saros for valuable assets. The Oilers would need to move quickly if Saros becomes available, as he could be a game-changer for their Stanley Cup hopes.

4. John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks)

John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks has long been regarded as one of the most talented goalies in the league, though he has struggled with inconsistency at times. However, on a team like the Oilers, Gibson could thrive with the offensive firepower in front of him. The Ducks are in the midst of a rebuild, and Gibson could be available for the right price. If the Oilers could acquire Gibson, they would be getting a goalie who has the ability to play at an elite level and is still in his prime. Gibson would be an upgrade over the current goaltending situation in Edmonton, and his ability to handle a heavy workload could benefit the Oilers in a playoff run.

The Challenges of Acquiring a Top Goalie

While the Oilers are in a good position to make a trade, acquiring a top-tier goalie won’t be easy. The teams that have elite goaltenders are often hesitant to move them, especially in the middle of a season when they are fighting for playoff positioning. Additionally, goaltenders who are available on the trade market often come with a hefty price tag, whether that’s in the form of high draft picks, top prospects, or roster players. The Oilers will need to make the right trade without sacrificing too much of their future, and they will need to ensure that they don’t jeopardize the development of key players like Skinner, who could be a part of the team’s future in net.

The salary cap will also play a crucial role in any potential trade. The Oilers will need to find a way to fit the salary of an elite goalie under the cap while maintaining the rest of their roster. This may require getting creative with trades or moving some salary around, but it’s certainly not an insurmountable challenge given the current flexibility of the Oilers’ cap situation.