The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation is once again under the microscope, potentially setting the stage for a significant mid-season trade. Despite having superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, inconsistent goaltending has repeatedly hampered the Oilers' championship aspirations.
Stuart Skinner's performance in the 2024-25 season, with a 2.81 GAA and .896 SV%, raised concerns, which continued into the playoffs with a .889 SV%. He even ceded playing time to Calvin Pickard during the Stanley Cup Final. While the Oilers seem willing to give Skinner another chance, their patience may not last if his performance doesn't improve. According to team insiders, the immediate focus is on adding depth behind Skinner, but that doesn't mean a major change is off the table.
General Manager Stan Bowman is reportedly exploring various options to solidify the team's goaltending. One potential target is Detroit Red Wings' prospect Sebastian Cossa. The Oilers had previously inquired about another Red Wings prospect, Trey Augustine, but the Red Wings declined. Cossa, drafted 15th overall in 2021, is known for his size, agility, and intelligent play-reading abilities. In 41 games with Grand Rapids (AHL), Cossa posted a 21-15-5 record with a 2.45 GAA and a .911 SV%. He also played one game for the Red Wings in 2024-25, going 1-0-0 with a 2.67 GAA and .857 SV%.
However, acquiring Cossa wouldn't be easy. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is known for protecting his top prospects. The asking price for Cossa could be top forward prospect Isaac Howard, a promising scorer currently in the minors. This presents the Oilers with a dilemma: sacrificing future offensive potential for immediate goaltending help.
Other potential goalie trade targets for the Oilers include Joonas Korpisalo, who is reportedly unhappy with his situation on the Boston Bruins. Nico Daws of the New Jersey Devils might also be an option if he's placed on waivers. The Oilers even tried to acquire Arturs Silovs before the Vancouver Canucks traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Another possibility is that the Oilers could target Buffalo Sabres' prospect Devon Levi, who recently signed a new two-year contract. In this scenario, the Sabres could target Stuart Skinner. However, this is unlikely if Skinner plays well early in the season.
The Oilers have also brought in Peter Aubry as their new goaltending coach, signaling that they believe their goaltending issues can be addressed through coaching and depth additions. Names like Michael DiPietro and Dennis Hildeby have also been mentioned as potential targets. Calvin Pickard is the most likely Oiler goalie to be moved.
Ultimately, the Oilers' goaltending situation remains fluid. The team's performance in the first half of the 2025-26 season will likely dictate whether Bowman makes a bold move to acquire a new नंबर-1 goalie or sticks with Skinner and Pickard.