5 goalies Edmonton Oilers could trade for this summer
Change is coming for the Edmonton Oilers this summer, most likely between the pipes.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman told the media last week that the team will be evaluating their goaltending this offseason. While he didn’t directly say that a change will be coming, it’s becoming clear that Edmonton cannot run back the same goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard for a third consecutive season.
Goaltending controversies have been seemingly endless for this Oilers team over the last several seasons. For a moment, it appeared that Skinner was the answer, but another rollercoaster postseason has put that into doubt. Pickard was a fine backup, but an upgrade is needed.
The easiest way to bring in a new goaltender is through free agency, which we explored last week. However, Bowman could get creative and find a better option on the trade market.
Which goalies might be available in trade? Here are five potential options:
1. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 31
2024-25 stats: 11-11-2, .912 SV%, +15.3 GSAx
Contract: $6.4 million (UFA-2027)
The most obvious trade candidate for the Oilers is Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson.
His name has been in trade rumours for a few seasons now, with Gibson reportedly saying that he would welcome a trade to the Oilers last year. A deal didn’t materialize, but it’s easy to see how he could thrive in Edmonton.
The 31-year-old had an amazing season with a lowly Ducks team, posting a solid SV% and ranking 13th of 103 NHL goalies in GSAx. If he can do that on a bad team, one can only imagine the results would be better on a contending team like the Oilers.
He carries a big cap hit, so retention would be needed, but this makes a lot of sense for both sides.
2. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 26
2024-25 stats: 24-24-5, .887 SV%, -8.6 GSAx
Contract: $4.75 million (UFA-2029)
One of the riskier options that could shake loose on the trade market is Ukko-Pekka Lukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres.
After missing the playoffs for the 14th-straight season, the Sabres are apparently one of the more active teams on the trade market to start the summer. While most of that action will surround players like J.J. Peterka and Bowen Byram, could they look to shake things up between the pipes as well?
UPL’s numbers over this past season aren’t great, but he is one year removed from a fantastic showing with the Sabres. With Devon Levi bubbling up to be Buffalo’s starter of the future, the Oilers should at least inquire about the big Finn.
3. Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 31
2024-25 stats: 26-21-5, .892 SV%, -8.2 GSAx
Contract: $5.4 million (UFA-2027)
Every one of these lists will inevitably have a few players the Oilers should probably avoid, and Elvis Merzlikins is one.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been trying to offload the 31-year-old for a couple of seasons now with no takers. Merzlikins had a promising start to his NHL career, but has cratered over the past three seasons.
Edmonton is not looking for a reclamation project between the pipes, and when you combine that with a high cap hit, it’s probably a no-go in the Alberta capital.
4. Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 29
2024-25 stats: 10-8-3, .889 SV%, +1.4 GSAx
Contract: $5 million (UFA-2026)
Would the Vancouver Canucks ever trade Thatcher Demko to the Edmonton Oilers? Stranger things have happened.
The narrative on Demko’s future in Vancouver has been called into doubt lately. The Canucks recently signed Kevin Lankinen to a long-term deal and Arturs Silovs is showing great signs down the AHL. Combine this with the fact that Demko is a UFA in 2026, and questions will start to be asked.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli included him on his latest list of trade targets, signalling that it isn’t as far-fetched as some may think. Still, you don’t usually see teams trading players of his calibre to division rivals.
5. Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins
Age: 26
2024-25 stats: 22-29-7, .892 SV%, -9.1 GSAx
Contract: $8.25 million (UFA-2032)
Another goalie that has been previously linked to the Oilers is Boston Bruins’ netminder Jeremy Swayman.
The 26-year-old is coming off a season to forget, posting career-worst numbers after a contract dispute led to him missing training camp. Edmonton checked in on Swayman’s availability last summer, where they were met with resistance from Boston management, but could that change this time around?
Boston is set to go through a bit of a transition period after missing the playoffs last season, and they probably aren’t thrilled about the performance of their starting goalie. Bowman would have to wow the Bruins with an offer, but the possibility may be stronger than it previously was.