Goaltending Shift, Oilers Linked to Rising Stars Between the Pipes
The Oilers are clearly under pressure to revitalize their crease after consecutive Stanley Cup Final disappointments. With Ray Ferraro stating that “you cannot go back with the same goaltending” and naming both Jake Allen and John Gibson as realistic targets, the franchise appears ready to break from Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard as its only options .
One intriguing name from free agency is Carter Hart, whom insider Kevin Weekes mentioned as on Edmonton’s radar. Hart’s past performance might have made him a tempting fit, but his ongoing legal issues have caused concern. Ultimately, Jason Gregor indicated the Oilers “have absolutely no interest”—Hart is reportedly off the table .
Instead, several trade options are being explored. Nashville’s Juuse Saros and Buffalo’s Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen are two emerging names, both promising young goaltenders who could push the Oilers toward league-average or better performances. While attainable, either trade would likely require giving up one of the current tandem—possibly Skinner or Pickard—for the deal to make sense.
On the veteran front, established goalies like Jordan Binnington and Alexandar Georgiev have been floated. Binnington—who won a Stanley Cup—could provide a reliable short-term boost if Edmonton parts with Skinner and picks, while Georgiev may be available for a one-year deal and, despite inconsistent recent form, offers upside.
However, interest in New York Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin has been definitively squashed. His agent publicly confirmed Sorokin’s substantial no‑trade clause and said “he has never been part of any trade discussions,” effectively removing that high-end option from Edmonton’s wish list.
In summary, the Oilers are in full goalie-rebuild mode—rejecting Hart, entertaining moves for Saros, Luukkonen, Binnington or Georgiev, and firmly ruling out Sorokin. Whatever they choose, it’s clear they won’t be heading into next season with Skinner and Pickard as their only net options
