The Edmonton Oilers are facing a critical juncture in the 2025-26 season, prompting discussions about potential roster shake-ups to revitalize their playoff hopes. Following a disheartening 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, calls for change have intensified, with analysts suggesting a significant trade could be the catalyst for a turnaround.
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic recently outlined a scenario involving a comprehensive roster overhaul, emphasizing the pivotal role of goaltending in the team's struggles. According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet, the Oilers might be moving on from Stuart Skinner as their starting goalie. Spector noted the number of goals scored by undefended players in front of Skinner.
The primary target for the Oilers, as suggested by Mitchell, is Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators. Saros, known for his stabilizing presence in the net, comes with a hefty $7.74 million cap hit, posing a significant challenge for the Oilers to accommodate. To acquire Saros, General Manager Stan Bowman would likely need to offload salary, potentially involving players like Adam Henrique or Stuart Skinner, and include enticing assets such as prospects Matt Savoie or Ike Howard, along with draft picks in 2026 or 2027. While a risky proposition, the potential upgrade in goaltending could be the spark Edmonton needs to salvage its season.
Acknowledging the difficulty in acquiring a top-tier goalie, Spector noted that the available options in the trade market are limited. As a result, Bowman acquired Connor Ingram last month from the Utah Mammoth, but he is currently with the AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.
Mitchell also presents alternative, more pragmatic options for the Oilers, suggesting they explore the goaltending depth within the Detroit Red Wings organization. Prospects Sebastian Cossa, boasting a .939 save percentage in Grand Rapids, and Michal Postava represent potential long-term solutions under team control. These younger, more affordable options offer Edmonton the opportunity to cultivate stability in goal beyond the current season.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Mitchell mentions Marc-André Fleury as a potential wild card. While there's no indication of Fleury's intention to return to the NHL, Bowman should monitor his situation and consider extending an offer if he decides to make a comeback.
The possibility of trading for David Tomasek has also been mentioned. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period noted that Tomasek, along with Mattias Janmark, Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher, could be moved to free up cap space. Tomasek recently lost his power play time to Jack Roslovic, who has been performing well.
The Oilers' needs include a second-pairing right-handed defenseman and a middle-six forward. Names like Alex Tuch have been mentioned as potential targets.
The urgency to address these needs is amplified by the approaching twilight years of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's careers, underscoring the imperative for Bowman to take decisive action.
