The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026 offseason with a major question mark in goal. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Anaheim Ducks, general manager Stan Bowman acknowledged that upgrading the crease is one of the organization’s top priorities, especially with just one goaltender currently under contract.
As a result, Edmonton has been linked to several veteran options. However, one NHL analyst believes the Oilers should think twice before pursuing a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
Analyst Pumps Brakes on Oilers Target
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is set to become one of the biggest names available on July 1 after completing the seven-year, $70 million contract he signed in 2019.
While Bobrovsky remains one of the most accomplished goaltenders of his generation, he is coming off a difficult season that saw him post a 3.07 goals-against average and an .877 save percentage.
Adding another layer to the situation are reports suggesting the 37-year-old is seeking a six-year contract worth roughly $42 million.
That price tag immediately raised eyebrows around the league, including from NHL analyst Jim Matheson. “Surely Bob’s reported ask in Florida, six years at $7m AAV is a wild opening gambit,” Matheson said. “He has made $113.m in his career and was making $10m but not sure at 37 why he just doesn’t sign for 2 years at $5.5m AAV for another legit shot at a Cup.”
Matheson also questioned how much demand there will be for an aging goaltender looking for a significant term. “Bob is about to find out there is not as big a market for 37-year-old goalies coming off a poor year as he thinks, certainly not looking for term.”
Despite those concerns, it’s easy to understand why Edmonton would at least explore the possibility.
The Oilers have elite, world-class scoring with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but they lack championship-proven stability in net. Bobrovsky carried the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025. He knows exactly what it takes to win under high pressure.
Even after a down season, he would represent a significant upgrade in net and bring a level of credibility and confidence that Edmonton has lacked.
The issue isn’t the player; it’s the contract.
The Oilers are already facing a difficult salary cap situation and must carefully manage every dollar if they hope to remain contenders. Committing six years to a 37-year-old goaltender would severely limit the club’s flexibility and make it harder to retain key contributors around McDavid and Draisaitl.
That’s why Matheson believes a shorter-term agreement would make far more sense.
A two-year, $5.5 million-per-year deal could be a reasonable compromise for both sides, giving Bobrovsky another opportunity to chase a championship while limiting Edmonton’s long-term risk.
If Bobrovsky tests free agency on July 1 and realizes the market for a 6-year deal isn’t there, the Oilers should be waiting on the phone with a short-term offer. But if he insists on the $42 million package, Stan Bowman must heed the warnings and steer completely clear.
