The Edmonton Oilers are once again at the center of swirling NHL trade rumors, this time involving St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington. Speculation suggests a potential swap sending Binnington to Edmonton in exchange for Stuart Skinner, with whispers of the Oilers also seeking to acquire a Blues defenseman in the deal.
The rumor, which gained traction after being mentioned by Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and analysts. Edmonton's persistent goaltending struggles are no secret, fueling the urgency to find a solution. For years, the Oilers have searched for stability between the pipes, a quest that has intensified throughout Connor McDavid's career. The last time the team had consistent goaltending was likely under Dwayne Roloson, with the late 1990s tenure of Curtis Joseph representing a true star in net for Edmonton.
Binnington, 32, is best known for backstopping the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup victory. However, he has struggled to consistently replicate that peak performance in recent seasons. In 15 games this year, with 13 starts, Binnington has a 5-5-4 record, an .880 save percentage, and a 3.13 goals-against average. Despite these numbers, he is coming off strong 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons where he posted a 56-43-10 record with a .907 save percentage and a 2.77 goals against average. He also led Canada to a Gold Medal at the 4-Nations Face-Off.
Skinner's development in Edmonton has been inconsistent, prompting the Oilers to explore other options. TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported earlier in November that Oilers GM Stan Bowman would not hesitate to trade Skinner if a clear upgrade became available.
Acquiring Binnington would not be without its challenges. He carries a $6 million annual cap hit through next season. To make the trade work, Edmonton would need to clear roughly $3 million in cap space. Some speculate that the Oilers are trying to get the Blues to include a defenseman in the deal.
Fan reactions to the potential trade have been mixed. Some believe Binnington's Stanley Cup-winning experience and recent international success would be a significant upgrade for the Oilers. Others question whether Binnington, given his current form, truly represents an upgrade over Skinner. Some fans have suggested trade packages, with one suggesting the Blues would want Leon Draisaitl in return.
From St. Louis' perspective, acquiring Skinner could provide a younger, promising option in net. Binnington's contract and the possibility of a Blues rebuild might make a trade appealing.
As of now, these are just rumors, and no official talks have been confirmed. However, the speculation highlights Edmonton's ongoing search for a long-term solution in goal as they aim for postseason success.
