The Edmonton Oilers have built one of the NHL’s most potent offensive cores, but their goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard remains under scrutiny. While the organization has expressed confidence in this duo, many believe their current setup may not be strong enough to backstop the Oilers to a Stanley Cup.
Limited salary cap space has made significant roster changes difficult for Edmonton, particularly when it comes to upgrading the goalie position. However, recent trade chatter has introduced a bold and surprising scenario that links the Oilers to New York Islanders’ elite goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
Could the Oilers Pursue Ilya Sorokin as Their Long-Term Solution in the Net?
On The Jason Gregor Show, senior columnist Mark Spector suggested that if Edmonton truly wants to elevate its goaltending, Sorokin should be their target:
“Hey, trade him for Ilya Sorokin. Now we’re talking, right? Bring in a guy who everybody in hockey would say to you, ‘This guy’s better than Skinner, and this guy’s got a bunch of years left.’ Now, let’s talk. But don’t be moving out Skinner and bringing in some guy who might be as good.”
FIRST NHL GOAL ALERT! 🚨
Ilya Sorokin makes the save, and the puck finds its way into the net at the other end! pic.twitter.com/pIB9alW8pT
— NHL (@NHL) March 1, 2025
Sorokin, widely regarded as one of the NHL’s top netminders, played 61 games last season with a 30-24-6 record. He posted a 2.71 goals-against average (GAA), a .907 save percentage (SV%), and recorded four shutouts. At 29 years old, Sorokin is locked into an eight-year, $66 million contract with an $8.5 million annual cap hit.
Comparatively, Stuart Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Over 51 games, he recorded 26 wins, 18 losses, and four ties with a 2.81 GAA and a .896 SV%, including three shutouts. His playoff performance highlighted these concerns further, where he went 7-8 with a 2.99 GAA and .889 SV% in 15 starts.
From a pure talent and reliability standpoint, Sorokin represents a significant upgrade over Skinner. His ability to handle a heavy workload and deliver steady results makes him an appealing option for an Edmonton team looking to break through in the postseason.
However, acquiring Sorokin would be complex. His long-term contract and high cap hit would require Edmonton to move out significant salary, potentially including Skinner and other assets. Additionally, the Islanders have shown no public indication they are looking to part ways with their franchise goalie, making any potential deal speculative at best.
Still, the suggestion raises an important conversation about Edmonton’s future in net. If the Oilers truly believe they’re one piece away from a Stanley Cup, a blockbuster move for a proven goaltender like Sorokin might be what finally pushes them over the top.
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For now, it remains a rumor, but one that could gain traction if Edmonton’s current tandem struggles again when the pressure mounts.
What nonsense is this?
This is NEVER going to happen. Just stop
This is a wish post. Nothing true about this at all. There is ZERO link to a trade possibility . No idea why these silly articles keep coming up.