The Edmonton Oilers have spent much of this season searching for answers in net, and so far, nothing has truly stuck. What was supposed to be a midseason fix has instead turned into another question mark, leaving the team in a familiar and frustrating position.
Now, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers could get another opportunity to fix their crease issues.
Why the Edmonton Oilers Are Still Searching for Stability in Net
Edmonton attempted to address its goaltending concerns earlier this season by acquiring Tristan Jarry in a trade that sent Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins. At first, the move looked promising. Jarry won his first three starts and appeared capable of steadying the crease.
But that optimism didn’t last long.
However, Jarry’s performance has dipped significantly. He’s struggled with consistency, posting a 4.17 goals-against average and an .855 save percentage with Edmonton. Over a recent four-game stretch, he allowed 18 goals, numbers that have only intensified concerns.
With those struggles, Connor Ingram has effectively taken over as the Oilers’ starter, though even that situation feels more like a temporary solution than a long-term fix.
That’s where Thatcher Demko enters the conversation once again.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers could have another opportunity to pursue the Vancouver Canucks star goaltender this offseason. Demko has long been viewed as a high-end solution for Edmonton’s crease issues, and circumstances in Vancouver may finally make a deal possible.
“The free agent market is essentially Stuart Skinner and Freddy Andersen,” Seravalli noted. “And the trade market…Anthony Stolarz, I’d imagine that if he’s healthy the Canucks would be interested in dealing Thatcher Demko.”
Demko is signed to a three-year, $25.5 million extension that begins in the 2026-27 season, carrying an $8.5 million cap hit. Importantly, his full no-movement clause doesn’t kick in until July 1, 2026, giving the Canucks a narrow window this summer to move him without needing his approval.
Of course, there are risks.
Demko was shut down for the remainder of the 2025–26 season in January to undergo hip surgery, his second major procedure in just two years. Health will be a major factor in determining his value on the trade market.
Still, when healthy, Demko has proven he can be a difference-maker and a true No. 1 goaltender, something the Oilers have been chasing for years.
For now, the Oilers remain focused on the present. They’re coming off back-to-back losses and currently sit third in the Pacific Division, still trying to find consistency as the regular season winds down.
