Edmonton Oilers Look to Finalize Contending Roster with Eyes on Goaltending Market for One Last Potential Offseason Upgrade
The Edmonton Oilers are entering the 2025 season with one of the most complete rosters in the National Hockey League. After coming agonizingly close to hoisting the Stanley Cup, general manager Jeff Jackson and the rest of the front office have worked with precision this offseason to preserve the core of a team that proved it could battle with the league’s elite. With nearly every key player returning and depth addressed across multiple positions, there remains just one question lingering in the organization’s mind: is there still time, or even a need, to find a premier starting goaltender?
Barring any unexpected shakeups or surprise availability in late summer, Edmonton appears largely set in net with the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. Skinner, the 25-year-old local product, has shown tremendous growth and resilience over the past two seasons. He backstopped the Oilers through their deep playoff run in 2024, showcasing both brilliance and volatility. While he was stellar at times, inconsistencies—particularly in high-leverage moments—have left some wondering whether he’s ready to be the full-time, unquestioned starter on a championship-caliber team.
Pickard, who emerged as a dependable option during stretches of the 2024 campaign, provided relief when Skinner faltered and helped stabilize the crease. Yet for all his efforts, he is still viewed more as a capable backup than a long-term solution. Neither goaltender has fully cemented themselves as a top-tier No. 1, and that reality has kept Edmonton’s front office quietly monitoring the goaltending landscape in case the right opportunity presents itself before opening night.
But outside of that one glaring question mark, the Oilers have done their offseason homework well. Their forward group remains lethal, headlined by the generational duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Both stars are returning hungry after falling just short of championship glory, and the urgency within the organization to win with this core has never been stronger. McDavid, who once again posted mind-bending offensive numbers, is entering his prime years with a singular focus: winning a Stanley Cup in Edmonton. Draisaitl, whose playoff scoring prowess reached another level in 2024, is entering a contract year. That storyline looms large, but all signals point to a committed superstar more focused on chasing a title than outside distractions.
Flanking the stars is a versatile and dynamic supporting cast. Zach Hyman continues to provide invaluable grit and scoring touch, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains one of the league’s most underappreciated two-way forwards, and Evander Kane, when healthy, adds a physical edge that makes Edmonton even tougher to play against. The emergence of Dylan Holloway and the steady progress of Ryan McLeod give the Oilers a fast, intelligent middle-six that can tilt the ice even when the top lines are catching their breath.
On the wings, the team has added players like Corey Perry and Mattias Janmark to bolster playoff experience and locker-room leadership. These aren’t earth-shattering moves on the surface, but they reflect a front office that understands how critical depth and experience become when chasing a championship.
The defense has similarly been refined rather than overhauled. Evan Bouchard, who broke out as one of the league’s most offensively productive defensemen last season, continues to elevate his game while becoming a staple on the power play. Darnell Nurse, though occasionally maligned for defensive lapses, brings size, mobility, and a warrior mentality that plays well in the playoffs.
Perhaps the most steadying influence, however, has been veteran Mattias Ekholm. His presence since being acquired from Nashville has helped transform Edmonton’s defensive identity. Ekholm’s positioning, composure, and mentorship—especially to Bouchard—have elevated the entire blue line. With talks reportedly progressing on an extension for the 34-year-old, it’s clear the organization views him as a foundational piece for at least another season or two.
Beyond the top pairings, Brett Kulak and Cody Ceci offer stability, while younger defensemen like Philip Broberg and Markus Niemeläinen are pushing for greater roles. The Oilers may also explore moving one of the veteran defenders if Broberg finally takes the step forward the organization has long hoped for. That kind of internal development could also free up cap space, especially critical if a goaltending upgrade becomes possible.
And that brings the conversation back to the crease. Edmonton’s management has made no public statements about aggressively shopping for a new netminder, but industry whispers suggest they remain open to the right scenario. Should a surprising name—perhaps someone like Juuse Saros, John Gibson, or Linus Ullmark—become available, don’t be surprised if Edmonton makes a move.
The key issue, of course, is cap space. The Oilers are right up against the ceiling and would need to move salary to accommodate a significant goalie addition. That could mean parting with a mid-tier contract like Kulak or Ceci’s, or making a tough decision involving one of the middle-six forwards. It’s a delicate balance: the team wants to improve in net but not at the cost of the chemistry and depth that carried them to the Final.
Even if no high-end goaltender becomes available, the Oilers are not in a panic. There is real belief in Skinner’s potential, and the front office sees the value in continuity. Goaltending is notoriously unpredictable, and Skinner has already shown he can handle the playoff spotlight. With another year of experience and a strong defense in front of him, it’s not unreasonable to expect continued growth.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch, entering his second full season behind the bench, also plays a critical role in this equation. His calming presence and systematic structure were key reasons the Oilers were able to regroup midseason in 2024 and go on a blistering second-half run. His staff’s ability to work with goalies and install better defensive schemes will be crucial in insulating whoever is in the crease.
There’s also the intangible factor: this team is now battle-tested. The heartbreak of losing in the Final can either unravel a group or galvanize it. Early signs from the Oilers’ camp suggest the latter. The players understand just how close they came, and they’re determined to finish the job. That hunger could elevate everyone—from the stars to the depth players to the goalies themselves.
In the meantime, the Oilers will remain vigilant. The goaltending market is always fluid, and late-summer trades or surprise waivers have happened before. If something materializes that gives Edmonton the chance to truly solidify their last positional question mark, they’ll explore it. But if not, they’re prepared to ride with what they have—and they believe it’s enough to win.
For the fans, this offseason has been one of cautious optimism. There’s disappointment in falling short, but pride in how far the team came. Now, with the core intact, depth shored up, and just one potential move left on the checklist, the Oilers are poised to take another run at the Stanley Cup. Whether they find that final piece in goal or not, they’re all in—and so is the city of Edmonton.
