The Edmonton Oilers need to upgrade their goaltending position this summer, that much is clear. They are set to enter next season with Tristan Jarry between the pipes, which is a scary proposition given how this past season went for goalies.
The man who took the reins down the stretch, Connor Ingram is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month and appears unlikely to re-sign with the Oilers. This does not give much assurance for the state of the Oilers goaltending.
If Ingram does indeed walk and the only NHL calibre goaltender is Jarry, the team will have to make a move and fast. There have been various rumours for who the Oilers could target with some younger players and some veteran netminders who are reported to be available on both the trade and free agent market.
However, they may be best suited to avoid going after one 'big fish' free agent in particular, Sergei Bobrovsky after his reported asking price was leaked.
Bobrovsky price tag may be too rich for the Oilers
According to Daily Faceoff, the reported price that Bobrovsky may be asking for in free agency is astronomical, especially with his age. According to reports, the 37 year old is looking for a six-year contract worth $42 million or a $7 million annual average value.
Sergei Bobrovsky is reportedly seeking a 6-year deal worth $42 million at age 37 👀 pic.twitter.com/qHSiju8kHY
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) June 19, 2026
Bobrovsky has been one of the league's top netminders since he entered the NHL, having won two Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025. As well, he has captured the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender in 2013 and 2017, both while with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
His impressive play earned him a blockbuster seven-year contract worth $10 million per season when he signed as a free agent back in 2019. Now, although being willing to accept quite the pay cut given the salary cap percentage, he will also be 43 when this reported deal expires.
In addition to the high cost and his advanced age throughout the life of the deal, it also comes after a major dip in play where Bobrovsky played 52 games with a 3.07 goals against average and a .877 save percentage. By save percentage, it is the worst season statistically of his entire career and could represent the start of a serious decline in play for Bobrovsky.
The Oilers were reportedly interested in Bobrovsky at the trade deadline, something that will surely put them on the list to at least kick tires on the UFA come July 1st. If the reports are true, the Oilers should exercise extreme caution and probably avoid it altogether.
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