Championship contenders rarely get full-blooded chances to improve their roster, and every major decision comes with a cost. The Oilers found themselves staring at one of those moments when a highly regarded young goaltender became available, but the conversation ended before a deal could cross the finish line.
Another Western Conference rival moved faster, leaving Edmonton to rethink its plan. The outcome offered a close look at where the organization is willing to draw the line as it tries to strengthen its crease.
David Pagnotta Explains Why Oilers Wouldn’t Match Utah’s Price for Sebastian Cossa
The goaltender Edmonton pursued was Sebastian Cossa, but the Oilers ultimately decided the acquisition cost was too steep. During an appearance on Inside Sports, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta explained that Edmonton stayed involved until the asking price reached a level it would not match.
“They beat them to the price,” Pagnotta said while discussing Utah’s successful pursuit of Cossa. He added that Edmonton “had expressed interest,” and that conversations became serious during the Stanley Cup Final. However, the deal changed once Utah offered the No. 23 overall pick.
Pagnotta explained, “Clearly, they weren’t willing to pay the price that Utah paid, which was the first-round pick, and he ends up with the Mammoth organization.”
This detail aligns with Edmonton’s draft situation. The Oilers entered the draft without a first-round selection, leaving them unable to compete with Utah’s offer. Detroit wanted a first-round asset in return, and once Utah made that available, Edmonton was effectively out of the race.
The decision also reflects Edmonton’s current priorities. Cossa remains one of hockey’s top young goaltending prospects after posting a 26-8-4 record with a .915 save percentage in the AHL.
Still, Cossa has just one NHL appearance and spent the entire Calder Cup Playoffs backing up Michal Postava. For a team trying to win immediately, investing premium assets in a goalie who still requires development carried significant risk.
Another consideration was roster flexibility. Cossa becomes waiver eligible next season, meaning Edmonton would likely have needed to keep him on its NHL roster full time instead of allowing additional development in the AHL.
Oilers Turn Their Attention Toward Veteran Alternatives
Pagnotta made it clear that missing on Cossa has not slowed Edmonton’s search. “Edmonton certainly wants to address the goaltending,” he said, adding that the team has “been active on that front and exploring different options.”
He also outlined several names still under consideration, saying the Oilers will continue looking “whether that’s a veteran player or a younger option, whether it’s a Devon Levi, Jordan Binnington, Elvis Merzļikins.”
Edmonton is keeping every avenue open, it would appear. Younger options could provide a long-term solution, while established veterans better fit a roster built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s championship window.
The Oilers may have stepped away from one negotiation, but Pagnotta’s update makes one thing clear: Edmonton has not stepped away from its pursuit of a new goaltender.
