The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2025-26 season with questions lingering in the crease. NHL insider Jason Gregor believes it’s only a matter of time before the team makes a major move to address what he called a glaring weakness.
Oilers’ Goaltending Situation Remains in Focus
Speaking on the DFO Rundown podcast, Gregor said he would be surprised if both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard were still Oilers after the trade deadline. “I just think it’s inevitable there’s going to be a change there,” he noted.
Jason Gregor: I’ll be surprised if after the trade deadline…the same two goalies are in Edmonton in Pickard and Skinner, I just think it’s inevitable there’s going to be a change there – DFO Rundown (8/19)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 21, 2025
The prediction lands just weeks before training camp opens. Edmonton has kept quiet this summer on the goaltending front, but reports suggest calls have been made to teams with available netminders.
Some free agents remain on the market, though their availability may shrink as other clubs fill needs.
Gregor’s comments reflect a long-running theme. Goaltending has often been the Oilers’ weak link, with playoff runs falling short despite elite offensive firepower. Edmonton lost back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers, who had the advantage of a steady Sergei Bobrovsky in goal.
The current tandem has yet to prove it can deliver in critical moments. Last season, both Skinner and Pickard posted save percentages below .900 in the playoffs. Analysts argue that those numbers simply do not match championship standards.
Roster Changes Around the Oilers
The goaltending issue comes as Edmonton has already reshaped parts of its roster. Veterans such as Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson, and Corey Perry are gone. In their place, the Oilers have turned to younger options including Isaac Howard, Matthew Savoie, and Andrew Mangiapane.
Edmonton Oilers offseason so far:
IN:
Andrew Mangiapane
Isaac Howard
Curtis Lazar
Matt Tomkins
Riley Stillman
Viljami MarjalaOUT:
Evander Kane
Corey Perry
Viktor Arvidsson
Connor Brown
John Klingberg
Sam O’Reilly
Phil Kemp
Ronnie Attard
Lane PedersonRE-SIGNED:
Evan Bouchard…— NHL Rosters (@NHL_Rosters) July 11, 2025
The moves reflect a push to keep the team fast and competitive while still leaning on the offensive core of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Bowman’s restraint in goal has raised questions, but some analysts suggest waiting until closer to the deadline makes sense. More established goaltenders could become available, offering Edmonton better options than those currently on the market.
The Oilers appear set to begin the season with Skinner and Pickard. Both are entering contract years and will become unrestricted free agents next summer. That dynamic alone fuels speculation that at least one will be moved.
The trade deadline looks like the natural point for change. If Edmonton is again a playoff contender, the pressure to secure a reliable goaltender will be immense. Gregor and other insiders believe that scenario almost guarantees a shake-up.
