As the 2025-2026 NHL season approaches, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar yet precarious position: contending for a Stanley Cup with lingering questions in net. Despite back-to-back Finals appearances, the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has left many wondering if they possess the consistency needed for a deep playoff run. With Connor McDavid's recent comments highlighting the urgency to improve the team's overall outlook, the pressure is on Oilers' management to explore all available options, including the trade market.
However, the trade market appears surprisingly thin, with few teams openly shopping established starting goalies. This scarcity could force the Oilers to get creative and potentially overpay to acquire a netminder who can provide a significant upgrade. Several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and New Jersey Devils, possess goaltending depth but might demand a steep price for their assets.
One potential target that has emerged is Charlie Lindgren of the Washington Capitals. A trade proposal suggests the Oilers could acquire Lindgren to form a tandem with Skinner. In this scenario, the Oilers would send Calvin Pickard, a 2027 fifth-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick to Washington. Lindgren, who is entering the first year of a three-year, $9 million deal, posted a 20-14-3 record with a 2.73 GAA and a .896 save percentage last season.
Another intriguing option could be Nico Daws from the New Jersey Devils. With the Devils signing Jake Allen and having Jacob Markstrom as their clear starter, Daws's chances of making the NHL roster are slim. A potential trade proposal involves the Oilers sending a 2028 fourth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick to New Jersey in exchange for Daws. While Daws has limited NHL experience, he has shown promise, recording a 3-1-0 record, a .939 save percentage, and a 1.60 goals-against average in six games last season.
Beyond Lindgren and Daws, other possibilities exist, though they may require more creativity. James Mirtle of The Athletic suggests that the Detroit Red Wings, who recently acquired John Gibson, could become a trade partner if they falter early in the season. In that case, the Oilers could target either Gibson or a reunion with Cam Talbot. Alternatively, they could try to acquire top prospect Sebastian Cossa, although Mirtle believes the Red Wings are unlikely to part with him. Semyon Varlamov of the New York Islanders and Connor Ingram of the Utah Mammoth are other potential, albeit less clear, upgrades. High-end options like Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins, or Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets could also be available, though acquiring them would likely require a significant investment.
Ultimately, the Oilers' decision will depend on their assessment of Skinner and Pickard, their willingness to part with valuable assets, and the evolving landscape of the trade market. With the pressure mounting to capitalize on the McDavid-Draisaitl era, Edmonton's goaltending situation remains a critical factor in their Stanley Cup aspirations.
