The Edmonton Oilers have had one clear goal heading into the 2025 NHL Draft and free agency on July 1: fix their goaltending issues. After a Stanley Cup Final loss that highlighted glaring weaknesses in the net, it’s been clear that a change is needed.
But when the draft came around on June 27, Edmonton pivoted. Instead of targeting top goaltending prospects, the front office focused on their top line, drafting multiple centers and wings. Their only goalie pick, Daniel Salonen, came at No. 191 overall. That left their biggest question mark unresolved.
Then came another blow: John Gibson, their top trade target, was dealt to the Detroit Red Wings. And according to one NHL insider, things could get even more difficult from here.
Oilers Won’t Be Able To Solve Their Goalie Situation This Season, Hints Insider
On the latest episode of “The Chris Johnston Show,” Johnston and Julian McKenzie, a writer for The Athletic, discussed the implications of the Gibson trade. Detroit’s new acquisition had been in the Oilers’ sights for weeks, but with him gone, the path forward seems tricky.
McKenzie noted that the Oilers aren’t just going to “make a change for change’s sake,” but he admitted the goalie market is extremely unpredictable. Making things worse, Jake Allen, the top free-agent goalie, re-signed with the New Jersey Devils before hitting the market.
Jake Allen is STAYING in New-Jersey, he was the most sought after goalie coming into free agency. #Oilers are going to have to get creative to find a solution in net.#NHL #NHLFreeAgency2025
— ODG Hockey (@ODGHockey) July 1, 2025
McKenzie also mentioned the Oilers are working to re-sign Evan Bouchard, a restricted free agent. “There’s a lot going on in Edmonton. It reminds me of the situation in Toronto and [Las] Vegas, where you’re both adding pieces, you’re losing guys, you’re trying to make the money add up.”
He added that players like Jeff Skinner and John Klingberg could be headed to free agency, meaning the team is poised to lose some key contributors. “The work for Stan Bowman and the front office is definitely not ending on July 2.”
McKenzie expects more roster movement ahead, including both signings and departures, and hinted that Edmonton could even enter a partial rebuild: “They’re going to make some signings here, but they’re going to have some roster construction that continues into the summer.”
While the team remains open to adding a goaltender, McKenzie doesn’t believe it’s a top priority just yet. “I think there’s no way around that fact. They’re open to adding a goalie, but I don’t think they’ve 100% concluded they have to do it right now.”
He mentions that while the teams try to focus a lot on free agency and get the team exactly right in July, they will have time till March to secure a place in the playoffs. To conclude, he says, “Maybe it’s something you can do during the season next year.
But with all the signings only being possible on July 2, there very well might be chances that the Oilers might secure a good alternative for primary goalie Stuart Skinner.
