As the new NHL season approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are again facing questions in net. After back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final ended in disappointment, speculation has ramped up about whether the team will look outside the organization for help.
Goaltending has long been an area of concern, and reports now link the Oilers to a surprising name.
Could Marc-Andre Fleury Be the Answer?
Veteran insider Frank Seravalli recently noted that he doesn’t believe Marc-Andre Fleury’s career is completely finished, hinting that teams will come calling. The Oilers were specifically mentioned as a potential destination, sparking debate about whether a future Hall of Fame player could step in and address the Stuart Skinner problem.
Frank Seravalli: Re Marc-Andre Fleury: Is this the end? I don’t think it’s the end yet; I have zero doubt…teams will be calling; I have to think one of the teams would be the Edmonton Oilers – Bleacher Report (9/30)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 1, 2025
Fleury retired after last season with the Minnesota Wild, but that hasn’t stopped rumors about a possible return. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has gone on record saying teams will “100 percent” reach out to the 40-year-old, while Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, added fuel to the fire with cryptic eye emoji post.
Edmonton, given its win-now window, is seen as one of the most logical fits.
The Oilers have championship aspirations, but the goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard doesn’t inspire complete confidence. Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency, particularly in high-pressure playoff moments.
Bringing in Fleury would provide experience, depth, and the type of postseason poise the franchise has lacked.
Of course, convincing a three-time Stanley Cup champion to reverse his retirement won’t be easy. Fleury would need to be fully committed, and Edmonton would have to navigate the cap implications. Still, the possibility highlights how urgently the Oilers are weighing their options.
Skinner Remains Under Pressure
Skinner enters the season as Edmonton’s number one goaltender. General manager Stan Bowman made it clear during media day that the team remains committed to Skinner, even ruling out a rumored move for Carter Hart. Bowman emphasized that Skinner looks sharp and quicker after shedding weight this offseason.
The 26-year-old netminder has taken steps to change his game, trimming nearly 15 pounds and focusing on agility. He also built an early rapport with new goalie coach Peter Aubry, which the team hopes will pay off once the games begin.
Skinner himself has spoken about blocking out outside noise, admitting that only results will change the narrative.
Still, the pressure is undeniable. Skinner’s deal is in its final year, and with Connor McDavid’s contract situation looming, Edmonton cannot afford another season derailed by inconsistent goaltending. A strong campaign from Skinner could silence critics, but if struggles return, management may have no choice but to explore outside solutions.
Modt people compain about stu skinner are people have never play posiyion in there life if you not know what it takes to be a goalie in nhl then keep your opinion to yoursrllf