Oilers Rumors: Edmonton To Go 'Goalie-Hunting' This Offseason

Thursday, March 20, 2025

The Edmonton Oilers are expected to address their goaltending situation this offseason, with Edmonton Journal’s David Staples citing insider Bob Stauffer, who said, “I know for a fact they’re gonna do that.” 

Stauffer believes the team plans to add a “1B goalie” to compete with Calvin Pickard, aiming to provide stability behind Stuart Skinner. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff noted that Skinner’s inconsistency has been frustrating, saying, “It’s the back and forth rollercoaster nature… that everyone struggles with.” 

The Oilers have a dominant record when they get league-average goaltending, but their reliance on Skinner without a strong backup has been a recurring issue.

Several potential targets could be available in free agency, including Frederik Andersen, Vitek Vanecek, Jake Allen, Alexandar Georgiev, Dan Vladar, David Rittich, Ilya Samsonov, and Alex Lyon. 

Andersen’s injury history, Samsonov and Georgiev’s inconsistency, and Allen’s steady play for the New Jersey Devils make for an interesting mix of options. The Oilers opted against acquiring a goaltender at the trade deadline, possibly due to price or a preference for defensive help, such as the addition of Jake Walman. 

Stauffer also suggested the team may bring in an experienced depth goalie, saying, “I do expect Edmonton to engage in signing an organizational number three goalie that’s played in the National Hockey League in the last couple of years.”

Skinner’s recent strong performance against Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers shows his potential, but the Oilers know they can’t afford another postseason letdown due to goaltending. 

“I don’t want to see Stuart Skinner get run out of here, get re-calibrated with a different organization like Devan Dubnyk was,” Stauffer added, noting the team’s intent to support rather than replace him.

Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors