The Edmonton Oilers' ongoing goaltending struggles have intensified their search for a solution, with a new name emerging alongside a familiar face. As the team navigates a disappointing season, the spotlight has firmly landed on the performance between the pipes, prompting General Manager Stan Bowman to explore all available options.
Among the potential targets, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit has surfaced as a possible, more affordable option. According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, Brossoit could be a fit for the Oilers, especially considering his contract situation and potential acquisition cost. The 32-year-old is in the final year of his two-year, $6.6 million contract with the Blackhawks. Although he has been sidelined for an extended period, Brossoit is expected to begin a conditioning stint soon. Friedman notes that acquiring Brossoit wouldn't require a significant investment beyond a draft pick.
Brossoit's addition wouldn't be without risk. He missed the entire 2024-25 season and hasn't played an NHL game since April 2024. While he has shown promise as a backup in the past, his limited number of starts and recent injury raise concerns about his ability to immediately stabilize the Oilers' goaltending.
In addition to Brossoit, Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins remains a prominent name in the Oilers' goalie search. The 27-year-old Jarry, who once played for the Edmonton Oil Kings, could be an appealing option to the Oilers as they look to solidify their goaltending position. While no official confirmation has surfaced, NHL insiders suggest that Jarry is on Edmonton's radar. Jarry has a 5-2-0 record in seven games this season, with a 2.60 goals-against average and a.911 save percentage.
The Oilers' urgency to find a reliable goaltender stems from the inconsistent performance of current netminders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. Skinner, who is nearing free agency, has struggled to find consistency, leading to speculation that the Oilers may seek a replacement.
Other names that have been linked to the Oilers include Jordan Binnington, Juuse Saros and Cam Talbot. Talbot, in particular, has emerged as a surprising option. David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period believes that the Oilers' problems extend beyond goaltending, emphasizing the need for improvement in defense and overall team performance.
As the Oilers continue their search, the decision of whether to acquire a high-profile goalie like Jarry or opt for a more economical choice like Brossoit will depend on the team's long-term strategy and available assets. With the trade deadline approaching, Bowman faces the challenge of making a move that not only addresses the immediate goaltending issues but also aligns with the team's future goals.
