The Edmonton Oilers are entering the 2025-26 season with the same goal as the previous two: win the Stanley Cup. After falling short to the Florida Panthers in back-to-back Finals, Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman has identified goaltending as an area that needs improvement. While a change in goaltending coach has already occurred, the team may be looking to upgrade their goaltending personnel as well. One name that has recently surfaced in trade rumors is New York Islanders star Ilya Sorokin.

Sorokin, 29, is considered one of the league's best goaltenders. Last season, he played 61 games, winning 30, with four shutouts, a 2.71 goals-against average (GAA), and a .907 save percentage (SV%). Throughout his NHL career, Sorokin has played 253 games, winning 125, posting 22 shutouts, with a 2.58 GAA and a .917 SV%.

Acquiring Sorokin would not be an easy task. Elite goalies are rarely traded, and Sorokin has a full no-move clause, meaning he has complete control over where he could be traded. The Islanders, under new GM Mathieu Darche, may be at a crossroads, choosing between continuing to compete with a veteran roster or starting a rebuild. If the Islanders decide to rebuild, trading Sorokin would bring back a significant return of prospects and draft picks. It was reported that the Islanders potentially explored a deal with Utah involving Sorokin and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

For the Oilers, acquiring a "bona fide starter" like Sorokin would likely mean the departure of current starter Stuart Skinner. Skinner has been the Oilers' primary goaltender for the past two postseasons, but has posted a .895 save percentage in that time. While Skinner's overall numbers may be strong, his inconsistency has been an issue.

The Oilers have a few options to improve their goaltending. They could acquire a proven starter, stick with Skinner and Pickard, or find a tandem goalie to pair with Skinner. Several names have been mentioned in connection to the Oilers, including Jake Allen and Carter Hart. However, John Gibson, a potential target, was traded to Detroit.

Edmonton could offer the Islanders a package that includes a top prospect, a roster player, and a draft pick. One potential package could include Zach Hyman, Matthew Savoie, and a first-round pick. The Oilers may be hesitant to trade Hyman, who provides scoring in their top six.

Ultimately, whether the Oilers pursue Sorokin will depend on the Islanders' willingness to trade him and the price they ask. If Sorokin is available, Edmonton should strongly consider making a deal to acquire the elite netminder.