The Edmonton Oilers may have redeemed themselves from the disrespect meted out by the Florida Panthers during the Stanley Cup finals with their 6-3 win at the Amerant Bank Arena. However, the team remains sixth in the Pacific Division. Nonetheless, the victory concluded the Oilers’ three-game losing streak on the road.
More importantly, Stuart Skinner registered a save percentage of .921, helping to secure the team’s first regulation win since Oct. 28. However, appeals to replace Skinner remain just as loud. With one elite goalie verging on the possibility of being made available, the Oilers have a real chance to solve one of their most pressing issues: goaltending.
Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko Could Help End Edmonton Oilers’ Goalie Troubles
Thanks to Skinner’s well-documented record of failures, the Oilers community finds it difficult to rely on him blindly despite his occasional display of exceptional goaltending against the Panthers. Insider Elliotte Friedman and HC Kris Knoblauch have refused to blame Skinner alone for the team’s woes, with Friedman claiming that the Oilers’ defense corps needs to be held accountable for many of the team’s problems.
Yet, fans slip back into their tendency to single out Skinner each time the Oilers fail. Skinner is nearing the end of his stay in Edmonton, and the Oilers could consider a change. Meanwhile, Friedman has reported that the Vancouver Canucks are open to moving some of their veterans, excluding Quinn Hughes.
Sources: Canucks make “veterans” available, but not Hughes at this timehttps://t.co/HAPShtJW6B
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 25, 2025
With that, Thatcher Demko’s future ought to become a subject of instant interest. With the Oilers continuously being at the helm of any discussion on goaltending, what are the odds that the 29-year-old goalie finds his way to play for Edmonton?
Demko, who is currently on a five-year, $25 million contract with the Canucks that pays him $5 million annually, exited the game early due to a lower-body injury on Nov. 11 against the Winnipeg Jets. He has been out since, with the Hockey News’ Adam Kierszenblat reporting that the netminder will join his team as they hit the road for four games, but with stipulations.
“A familiar face will be joining the Vancouver Canucks on their upcoming four-game road trip. According to Head Coach Adam Foote, Thatcher Demko will travel, but it is still unclear if he will play in one of the four games,” Kierszenblat reported.
For all his prowess, Demko has time and again come under scrutiny for his extensive injury history. If he all joins the Oilers at all, there is no saying that it will be an absolute upgrade. Coupled with his injury woes, the 29-year-old could be anything but a foolproof option. Moreover, the Oilers’ defensive situation has taken a hit since Paul Coffey stepped down from his coaching role.
Perhaps what Edmonton needs is a more holistic approach to its goalie woes than finding a simple replacement for Skinner.
It would absolutely stupid to trade Demko to a team in the same conference.
First order of business s/b to give Allvin his walking papers.
Apparently the Oilers asked about Arturs Silovs and the Canucks didn’t want to move him to Edmonton. I highly doubt they would move a better goalie in Demko. The click bait worked though!
Trade for Demko, keep Skinner. Would be a nice duo to match up against Colorado.