New Wrinkle Revealed in Oilers Potential Pursuit of Jordan Binnington

The Edmonton Oilers' ongoing quest to solidify their goaltending has taken another turn, with recent events adding a layer of complexity to the potential acquisition of St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington. While speculation has linked the Oilers to Binnington for weeks, a recent on-ice incident and updated reports on the Oilers' strategy suggest that the path to a deal may be more complicated than initially perceived.

Edmonton's goaltending woes have been well-documented this season, prompting general manager Stan Bowman to explore various options in the trade market. The performance of current goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has been inconsistent, leaving the team vulnerable and fueling rumors of a potential goaltending change. Names like Tristan Jarry and Juuse Saros have also surfaced in connection to the Oilers. However, the spotlight has recently intensified on Binnington, known for his Stanley Cup-winning heroics with the Blues in 2019.

A recent game between the St. Louis Blues and the Anaheim Ducks has added fuel to the fire. Binnington was pulled early in the first period after allowing two goals on the first few shots. His reaction to the move was demonstrative, as he appeared to exchange words with coach Jim Montgomery before heading to the locker room. This incident immediately sparked comparisons to Patrick Roy's infamous departure from Montreal and ignited speculation that it could increase the likelihood of Binnington being traded.

However, this event may have given the Oilers pause. While Binnington is known for his competitiveness and fire, some observers believe that Edmonton needs stability in net rather than a volatile personality. As one source put it, "The Oilers don't need volatile. They need steady, which Binnington is not". Despite both Binnington and Montgomery downplaying the incident, the situation underscores the potential risks associated with acquiring the Blues' goaltender.

Adding to the uncertainty, reports suggest that Binnington may have a no-trade clause that requires convincing to waive. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet "strongly" suspects that Edmonton can't trade for Binnington without his permission, even if St. Louis is willing to make a deal. This complicates matters, as it gives Binnington significant control over his destination.

Furthermore, the Oilers' approach to the goaltending situation appears to be evolving. Recent reports indicate that Edmonton is hesitant to make a "lateral move" in net, meaning they are unwilling to trade for a goalie with similar question marks to Skinner. Friedman noted that the Oilers are not looking to trade Skinner "for a guy who they feel has the same questions as Skinner". This suggests that the Oilers are seeking a clear upgrade, which may impact their evaluation of Binnington.

The financial implications of acquiring Binnington are also a factor. Binnington carries a $6 million average annual value (AAV) through the 2026-27 season. With the Oilers facing salary cap constraints, taking on Binnington's contract would require careful maneuvering. David Staples of the Edmonton Journal noted that it would take "a significant sweetener" to convince the Blues to retain part of Binnington's salary.

Despite these challenges, the possibility of a trade has not been entirely ruled out. Nick Kypreos suggested that a potential deal could involve Skinner going to St. Louis. However, this scenario hinges on whether the Blues view Skinner as a viable option and whether Binnington is open to a move to Edmonton.

Ultimately, whether the Oilers pursue Binnington remains to be seen. The recent incident, the presence of a no-trade clause, and the Oilers' evolving goaltending strategy all add layers of complexity to the situation. As the trade deadline approaches, Bowman and the Oilers' management face a difficult decision: whether to gamble on Binnington's potential or explore other avenues to address their goaltending concerns.