The Edmonton Oilers are in a tricky spot. After two thrilling overtime wins, the team's performance raises a crucial question: can they sustain this momentum and overcome their ongoing struggles? But here's the catch: their goaltending situation is a major concern.
6 Goalie Trade Targets for the Oilers' Revival:
The Oilers' recent wins have been more dramatic than dominant. They narrowly escaped defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Philadelphia Flyers, with some fortunate bounces and a late offside call playing a significant role. This season's challenges are multifaceted, including the departure of key veterans and the absence of Zach Hyman. However, the most pressing issue remains the inconsistent goaltending.
Stuart Skinner, despite being the better of the two, has not lived up to expectations, posting a 2.75 GAA and a .889 SV% in 13 games. Calvin Pickard's performance has been even more concerning, with a 4.00 GAA and a .836 SV% in six appearances, including a 9-1 blowout loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
The Oilers' management, surprisingly, still trusts Skinner as their primary goalie, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. This decision is puzzling, given the team's ongoing struggles in the 2025-26 season. It's time for a change, and here are six goaltenders the Oilers should consider trading for:
Alex Lyon (Buffalo Sabres): Lyon, 32, is a practical choice. He's been a reliable NHL tandem option since 2022-23. This season, he boasts a 2.92 GAA and a .912 SV% in 11 games. The Sabres' struggles could make Lyon available, and his $1.5 million cap hit is budget-friendly.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Buffalo Sabres): Luukkonen, with a $4.75 million cap hit until 2028-29, is affordable but risky. He showed promise in 2023-24 but has since been demoted to a backup role, posting a 2.91 GAA and a .877 SV% in three starts. The Oilers must decide if these stats reflect his true ability or the Sabres' team issues.
Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets): Merzlikins, 31, has been linked to the Oilers for some time. His $5.4 million cap hit expires after 2026-27, making him a less risky acquisition. After two strong NHL seasons, his SV% has dipped below .900 in the last three years. His 2025-26 rebound (3.14 GAA, .908 SV% in 7 starts) is promising, but is he better than Skinner? The debate continues.
Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues): Binnington, 32, was linked to the Oilers last season. With the Blues' struggles, a trade could be on the cards. Binnington has two years left on his $6 million cap hit contract. His regular-season stats aren't impressive, but he has a reputation for rising to the occasion in high-stakes games, which could be valuable for the Oilers' Stanley Cup aspirations.
Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators): The Predators' struggles might make Saros available, but he holds a no-movement clause. Saros, 30, might waive it for a Cup contender. However, his recent struggles and an eight-year, $7.74 million cap hit deal complicate matters. Creative cap management is needed, but it's been done before.
The Oilers' Dilemma:
These trades are challenging, but the Oilers can't keep making excuses. Fans are tired of hearing about the impossibility of these deals, only to see other teams make clever moves to strengthen their rosters. It's evident that the current goaltending duo isn't working, and the Oilers' management must take decisive action. But here's where it gets controversial: should the Oilers prioritize short-term gains or invest in long-term stability? What's your take on the Oilers' goaltending crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments!
