The Edmonton Oilers face a familiar problem as training camp approaches: finding a reliable backup goalie who can step in when Stuart Skinner needs rest. Their search has hit roadblocks at every turn, with top targets like Jake Allen and John Gibson remaining out of reach. Now, NHL insiders are weighing in on what Edmonton needs to do to solve this puzzle before the season starts.
What Are NHL Insiders Saying About Edmonton’s Goalie Search?
The Edmonton Oilers have established themselves as one of the NHL’s most consistent teams, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back years. However, those consecutive losses have highlighted areas that need improvement, particularly in goal.
Their search for a backup goalie has proven challenging. While Edmonton targeted several options, including Allen from the New Jersey Devils and Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks, the team has been unsuccessful in acquiring either player. Additionally, they weren’t particularly active at the 2025 Draft.
On the latest episode of “The Sheet,” host Jeff Marek welcomed NHL insider and analyst Jason Gregor to discuss Edmonton’s upcoming season. Gregor acknowledged that while the Oilers lost to the Panthers, they performed well throughout the playoffs overall.
Gregor pointed out that Edmonton beat both Vegas and Dallas on their path to the finals, though he noted that Florida proved to be a difficult matchup. The analyst also expressed confidence that Stan Bowman will make significant moves soon.
Marek offered his perspective on the situation, stating, “Make your goalie moves early. Like, I think we’re all expecting Stan Bowman, you know, by the end of the summer, by the time training camp rolls around, Stan Bowman is going to have another goaltender there.”
Why Won’t Elite Goalies Consider Edmonton?
The discussion then turned to Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh, who has become a frequent topic in rumors surrounding Edmonton’s goalie situation.
“No matter who the Oilers bring in to play net, like there’s going to be one more goaltender here,” Marek continued.
However, Marek was realistic about the options available to Edmonton. “Whoever they bring in, there’s going to be a flaw in that goaltender,” he explained. The team’s salary cap situation compounds this challenge, with just $225,000 in cap space remaining. This financial constraint means no elite goalie will come to Edmonton.
The Sheet With @JeffMarek – July 15
🏒 Jeff’s Must-Trade List
🏒 @JasonGregor #LetsGoOilers
🏒 @TheFourthPeriod joins the Show
🏒 Alex Tuch Update #LetsGoBuffaloWATCH➡️https://t.co/AAlC09dgLg pic.twitter.com/KExfTUM9ye
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) July 16, 2025
Marek was blunt about Edmonton’s prospects for landing a top-tier goaltender: “Igor Shesterkin is not walking through that door. Ilya Sorokin is not walking through that door. Like the elite of the elite are not walking through that door.” Any goalie Edmonton ultimately acquires will come with imperfections.
Despite these limitations, Marek remained optimistic about the team’s championship potential. “But I look at the Oilers and say they don’t need any of those Hall of Fame goaltenders to win the Stanley Cup,” he said. “They just need to get a goalie that’s going to give them one more save than they got last time.”
This perspective suggests that while Edmonton may not land a perfect goalie, finding the right player could still be the difference between another finals appearance and actually winning the Stanley Cup.
