The Edmonton Oilers watched one of the most intriguing goaltending moves of the summer unfold from the sidelines, and it may have changed their plans in an instant. A young netminder long linked to Edmonton found a new home before the Oilers could make their move, creating fresh questions about the team’s direction in goal.
The development has caught the attention of fans and analysts, who viewed him as a logical fit for the franchise. As the reaction spread, it became clear why this missed opportunity struck such a nerve across Oilers circles.
Sebastian Cossa Trade Leaves Oilers Fans Wondering What’s Next
Sebastian Cossa is officially off the market after the Utah Mammoth acquired the 6-foot-6 goaltender from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for the No. 23 overall pick.
Detroit immediately used that selection on forward J.P. Hurlbert, while Edmonton was left watching a goaltender it had pursued for months head to another Western Conference team.
The timing was particularly frustrating for the Oilers because their need in goal remains unresolved. Tristan Jarry is the only goaltender under contract for next season, while Connor Ingram is expected to reach free agency.
Edmonton also exited the 2026 playoffs after inconsistent goaltending, making the search for a long-term solution one of general manager Stan Bowman’s top priorities.
The trade led to reactions from analysts covering the Oilers, many of whom believed Edmonton had been in the mix.
NHL analyst Jim Matheson posted, “Oilers have been talking about Cossa for a long time, and to not get him because they had no first-round pick Friday, even a late one as Utah did to get him from Detroit, is a bummer.”
Klima’s Lid added more context to Edmonton’s pursuit, writing, “1. Cossa was available. 2. The price for Cossa was exactly what I said Yzerman wanted. 3. The Oilers were in on Cossa since last Summer and were close to acquiring him. 4. Utah had a better offer. Sometimes that happens, and it doesn’t mean Cossa wasn’t close to being an Oiler.”
Others focused on what the missed opportunity means moving forward.
Tyler Yaremchuk wrote, “Oilers couldn’t really compete with this. Welcome back Connor Ingram?” suggesting Edmonton may now have to revisit internal or familiar options.
The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell looked beyond Cossa altogether, posting, “AHL SP last season: Cossa .915, Michael DiPietro .930; Devon Levi .904. Cossa’s price tag was way too high, and DiPietro may still be available.”
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With Cossa no longer available, Edmonton’s focus now shifts toward free agency. Veteran options such as Sergei Bobrovsky, Stuart Skinner, and Frederik Andersen are available as the Oilers continue searching for the stability they lacked during their playoff exit.
However, reports indicate Edmonton is looking for a younger goaltender to back up Jarry, which brings the focus back to Boston’s Michael DiPietro.
