6 goalies the Edmonton Oilers could target in a trade
The Edmonton Oilers are on top of the Pacific Division and third in the entire NHL right now, but questions about their goaltending are still swirling.
It’s become ridiculous that a team as good as the Oilers still have some question marks between the pipes. The various management groups have been searching for an answer to this question since the team traded Cam Talbot in 2019.
Edmonton has gotten close to the answer a couple of times with Mike Smith stringing together a few good seasons and Stuart Skinner developing into a legit NHL goaltender.
There is still plenty of hope that Skinner can be the longtime starting goaltender for the Oilers, but if that is to happen, he will need some more help. Calvin Pickard has been an excellent backup, but he isn’t quite at the level of being a part of a truly elite tandem in this league.
If Edmonton had a superstar starting goalie (think Connor Hellebuyck, Igor Shesterkin, or Ilya Sorokin), having a backup like Pickard would be fine. That, however, isn’t the case, and Skinner would benefit greatly by having a goalie who can be relied on in longer stretches and not just the occasional game.
There aren’t a ton of options to help fill that need this season, but there are still a few trade routes Oilers GM Stan Bowman could take.
Let’s take a look at six goaltenders who could be targets…
1. Karel Vejmelka, Utah Hockey Club
2024-25 record: 12-14-4
Stats: .910 SV%, +11.4 GSAx
Cap hit: $2.725 million (UFA-2025)
One of the best options that could be on the market is Utah Hockey Club’s Karel Vejmelka.
The 28-year-old has taken over the mantle of starter from Connor Ingram this season and has been excellent between the pipes of the NHL’s newest franchise. Despite a losing record, Vejmelka ranks among the top 15 in save percentage among goalies who have played at least 15 games this season. MoneyPuck also has him sitting 13th among NHL goalies in goals-saved above expected (GSAx).
His cap hit is more than reasonable as well, though he is due for a raise this summer. He’d be an excellent trade option for the Oilers. The only question is whether or not Utah would be open to moving him, as they are still technically in the fight for a playoff spot.
2. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
2024-25 record: 9-9-2
Stats: .915 SV%, +14.6 GSAx
Cap hit: $6.4 million (UFA-2027)
A goalie who is fully expected to be on the trade market is longtime Anaheim Ducks starter John Gibson, who is having somewhat of a renaissance year.
His time in Orange County is drawing to a close after 12 years as youngster Lukas Dostal takes over the starting gig. Rumours have also swirled that the 31-year-old would like a new start with a contending team.
There should be interest across the league as Gibson has been among the NHL’s best goalies this season. He ranks fifth among the league’s goaltenders in GSAx despite playing for a bottom-dwelling team.
Edmonton would need some retention on his salary and it’s looking like the Ducks won’t just give him away for nothing. Gibson may be the best option on this list right now.
3. Alex Lyon, Detroit Red Wings
2024-25 record: 10-6-1
Stats: .908 SV%, +7.5 GSAx
Cap hit: $900,000 (UFA-2025)
The Detroit Red Wings are also in contention for a playoff spot this season, but if the wheels fall off, they would be smart to move on from Alex Lyon.
It’s been another good year for the 32-year-old as he has formed a sneaky good tandem alongside Talbot inside the Detroit crease. He may not be at the top of the charts, but he remains a solid option.
Not to mention that he is also the cheapest goalie on this list, with a cap hit under $1 million.
4. Alex Nedeljkovic, Pittsburgh Penguins
2024-25 record: 11-9-5
Stats: .899 SV%, +1.6 GSAx
Cap hit: $2.5 million (UFA-2026)
If the Oilers prefer to search the bargain bin for a potential tandem partner with Skinner, then Alex Nedeljkovic may be their best bet.
He hasn’t had an amazing year by any means, but he has been making the best of a rocky situation with the Pittsburgh Penguins. That team ranks near the bottom of the league in goals-against, but the 29-year-old has managed to put up league-average numbers despite that.
One has to think he would only get better playing behind a more defensively sound team like the Oilers.
5. James Reimer, Buffalo Sabres
2024-25 record: 2-4-1
Stats: .908 SV%, +3.9 GSAx
Cap hit: $1 million (UFA-2025)
Another cheap option, possibly on the trade market, is Buffalo Sabres netminder James Reimer.
The 36-year-old hasn’t played an awful lot this season, but when he has, it’s been impressive. His record isn’t great, as he plays behind a terrible Sabres squad, but his other statistics paint a much better picture.
Trading for Reimer would probably be the riskiest move of any of these goalies, but it would be cheap and would give Skinner a veteran NHL backup.
6. Jonathan Quick, New York Rangers
2024-25 record: 7-5-2
Stats: .901 SV%, -0.4 GSAx
Cap hit: $1.275 million (UFA-2025)
Jonathan Quick will almost assuredly be in the Hockey Hall of Fame one day, but for now, he is still pursuing a fourth Stanley Cup.
The 39-year-old may not be what he was in his prime, but he is still finding a way to reinvent himself as backup goalie. He started the year off red-hot but has cooled down considerably as the season wore on.
He doesn’t possess the glitzy stats that some of the other goalies on this list have, but there is still plenty of hockey to be played for Quick. He is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward goalie who could be available at the deadline if the Rangers fall down the standings.