As the 2025-26 NHL season progresses, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar position: contending for a Stanley Cup but needing to address key roster deficiencies to solidify their chances. Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators, who were expected to contend after a spending spree last offseason, are struggling to find their footing, raising questions about the future of their core players. Could these diverging trajectories lead to a significant trade between the two teams, with a star goalie potentially heading to Edmonton?
The Predators' struggles this season are undeniable. After acquiring Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, the team finished with the third-worst record in the Western Conference last season. This season hasn't started much better, and the team is currently sitting outside the playoff picture with a losing record. Their inability to score goals and defend consistently has put immense pressure on goaltender Juuse Saros, despite what some would consider "legendary" efforts.
Saros, who is in the first year of a lucrative eight-year extension, has been a standout performer for Nashville despite the team's struggles. However, with the Predators seemingly stuck in neutral, rumors have begun to swirl about the possibility of the team moving key pieces to rebuild for the future. While TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the team has yet to hold any talks on forward Steven Stamkos, the situation could change quickly if the Predators continue to falter.
Enter the Edmonton Oilers. Despite having Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have consistently struggled to find the right supporting cast to win a championship. While their offense is rarely an issue, goaltending has often been a source of concern. While Stuart Skinner's name has come up in trade speculation, the Oilers may be hesitant to move on from him without a clear upgrade.
This is where Saros could enter the picture. A proven, elite goaltender like Saros would provide the Oilers with the stability and confidence they need in net to make a deep playoff run. His stellar play, even on a struggling team, demonstrates his ability to steal games and elevate his team's performance.
Of course, acquiring Saros would not be easy. The Predators would likely demand a significant return, potentially including high draft picks, top prospects, and established NHL players. The Oilers would need to be willing to part with valuable assets to acquire a player of Saros's caliber. Some suggest the Oilers need a second-pairing RHD and a middle-six forward.
Several Oilers players have been mentioned in trade rumors recently. Mattias Janmark, who carries a $1.45 million cap hit, has been mentioned as a player who could be moved to free up cap space. Additionally, names like Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson have also been mentioned as potential trade candidates.
Ultimately, whether the Oilers pursue Saros will depend on a number of factors, including the Predators' willingness to trade him, the cost of acquiring him, and the Oilers' assessment of their own goaltending situation. However, if the Predators continue to struggle and the Oilers remain in search of a true No. 1 goalie, a deal between these two teams could be a perfect solution for both sides.
