Two major goalie links shut down, Oilers’ crease concerns remain a question mark

Trade rumors linking Ilya Sorokin to the Edmonton Oilers were firmly shut down by the goaltender’s agent Dan Milstein this week. Milstein issued a public statement denying any talks involving his client.

Milstein took to X to clarify the situation stating that Sorokin has a full no-trade clause and has not been part of any discussions at any point. He added a pointed remark toward speculative reporting and suggested some outlets prioritize creating attention over accuracy.

“Ilya Sorokin has a full no-trade clause and has never been part of any trade discussions — not at any point. Surprised this needs correcting, but here we are. There’s a difference between reporting facts and creating buzz around yourself. #WeAreGoldStar!” he tweeted.

While the Islanders have been actively reshaping their roster and collecting draft picks, most league insiders agree that Sorokin remains off the table. With goaltending demand at a peak, moving a top-tier netminder like Sorokin would require a massive return.

One previously reported ask from the Islanders included two first-round picks, forward prospect Matt Savoie, defenseman Beau Akey and a second-round pick.

Meanwhile, the Oilers enter the 2025-26 season with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard still under contract. Skinner, with a $3 million cap hit, posted average numbers last season (.893 SV%, 2.88 GAA), while Pickard held steady with a .900 SV% and 2.71 GAA on a $1 million deal. Both are entering the final year of their contracts.

Oilers rule out Carter Hart as goaltending search continues

With Ilya Sorokin off the table and no trade traction in sight, the Edmonton Oilers continue their search for a goaltending solution but it won’t involve Carter Hart.

Though former NHL goaltender Kevin Weekes recently floated the idea of Edmonton having some level of interest in Hart, that speculation was quickly shut down by Oilers insider Jason Gregor.

In a recent report, Gregor made it clear the Oilers have "absolutely no interest" in pursuing Hart regardless of the outcome of his ongoing legal case.

Hart is currently awaiting a judge’s decision in connection with alleged sexual assault charges involving members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team. While the legal process plays out, multiple NHL insiders including Bob Stauffer have suggested that league discipline is likely for all involved players regardless of the court’s verdict.

While the Oilers' need for help in net is no secret, the organization appears determined to avoid any move that would bring unnecessary controversy or distraction. Despite Hart’s Edmonton ties and past performance, the risk of public backlash and potential league suspension makes the idea a non-starter.

Instead, all signs point to the Oilers continuing their search through quieter channels, perhaps aiming for an under-the-radar trade or a stopgap veteran.

With both current goalies entering contract years the front office has little margin for error and will need to make a move that stabilizes the crease without shaking the foundation.

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