The Edmonton Oilers have long had issues between the pipes and right now, they are no different. Despite making back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2024 and 2024, most did not have much confidence in their tandem of Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner.
During the 2025-26 season, the Oilers goaltending was arguably the weakest part of their entire team. Even after Connor Ingram was recalled and stole the crease and a midseason acquisition of Tristan Jarry was made, the netminding still did not stabilize.
Now, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will have to do his best to address their goaltending position. Especially with Jarry looking like an albatross and with Ingram set to become an unrestricted free agent. The team will have to make changes and according to reports, there are plenty of options.
Oilers veteran elite goaltending options
According to recent reports and various offseason trade boards, there could be different options for the Oilers to pursue in goal. Specifically, there are a few veterans that come to mind as options this summer.
Jacob Markstrom
It has come out very recently that the New Jersey Devils are trying to figure out the interest in goaltender Jacob Markstrom across the NHL. The 36 year old netminder is entering the first season of a two-year contract paying him $6 million per season. Despite struggles this past season -- when the entire Devils team struggled as well -- Markstrom has been a steady presence in net in recent years.
Although it is not crazy to imagine that Markstrom could be declining as he will be 37 years old part way through next season, the body of work so far does not suggest so. According to evolving-hockey.com, Markstrom has had positive goals saved above expected (GSAx) numbers over the past two combined seasons. He has also historically performs well by other advanced stats like quality starts percentage on hockey-reference.com and moneypuck.com using high danger save percentage and GSAx numbers.
If the price is right, Markstrom could be an interesting acquisition to make.
Sergei Bobrovsky
Although not a trade candidate, Sergei Bobrovsky makes a lot of sense as a goaltender for the Oilers to pursue. He has two Stanley Cup rings and a Vezina trophy to his trophy cabinet. The soon to be 38 year old has been one of the league's best goalies before this season and if he can regain form, would be the Oilers top goalie of the Connor McDavid era.
It is likely that Bobrovsky would command less than his previous $10 million cap hit but it is hard to guess exactly what. There is also of course the obvious noise of the Russian players preferring the warmer climate of a California or Florida team but again, it is anybody's guess. If the Oilers can sway him and they have a rumoured interest, they absolutely should try.
Adin Hill
The Vegas Golden Knights are currently battling for their second Stanley Cup since winning it all in 2023. Currently, they are doing so with a goalie not named Adin Hill, despite paying the 30 year old $6.25 million for the next four seasons on his six-year deal.
Hill has shown he can be a capable starting goalie, backstopping the Golden Knights to their Stanley Cup victory in 2023. He also made 50 starts in 2024-25, holding an impressive 32-13-5 record with a 2.47 goals against average and .906 save percentage. He has a 9.83 GSAx and in terms of his QS%, he has been above .520 in four of the past five years, indicating this season is likely an outlier. If he can be had for a similar price the Blackhawks paid for Marc-Andre Fleury, it could be a worthwhile investment.
Jordan Binnington
Last but certainly not least, is another goaltender with Stanley Cup pedigree, Jordan Binnington. Entering the final year of a six-year contract worth $6 million per year, the 32 years old has historically been a great player under pressure.
Binnington has been a dominant goalie at all levels, winning an OHL championship (J. Ross Robertson Cup) along with an OHL goalie of the year award, Stanley Cup champion, Calder Trophy finalist, 4 Nations Faceoff championship and a 2026 Olympics silver medal. He has played at some of the biggest stages and performed well, making him an ideal candidate for the Oilers to pursue, if the price is right.
For most of the goalies listed above, there are some serious risks involved with them as options. They all come with a high price tag in terms of cap hit but three of the four would be trade targets, potentially making their price tag even higher.
If the Oilers are serious about trying to get back to Stanley Cup contention, they will have to bite the bullet and fix their situation. It may involve taking a hit on getting rid of the Jarry contract.
Add us as a preferred source on Google