Oilers face potential roster shake-up amid rising trade buzz

As the Oilers prepare for what promises to be a pivotal 2025–26 season, the goaltending situation remains one of the most closely watched storylines in Edmonton. With some uncertainty surrounding their current options, insiders are speculating which players might be on the move, and Stuart Skinner’s name keeps popping up.

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic recently took a deep dive into the Oilers’ roster to identify potential trade candidates, highlighting Skinner as a notable piece. The 26-year-old netminder comes with a reasonable $2.6 million cap hit this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next July. These are factors that could make him an attractive trade chip for general manager Stan Bowman.

Skinner’s tenure with the Oilers has been marked by flashes of promise mix with unfortunate bouts of inconsistency. The organization has openly acknowledged the need to upgrade in net, eyeing a veteran goalie with starter experience to share duties and push Skinner to raise his game. That said, Skinner remains a reliable goalie who has logged 50 playoff games and appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals, bringing valuable postseason experience to the crease.

Mitchell suggests that a significant leap in Skinner’s performance this season could quiet his critics and lessen the urgency for the Oilers to seek outside help. On the flip side, if management doubts Skinner can be their answer, he could serve as a crucial asset in a deal to acquire a more proven netminder.

As the summer progresses and training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Edmonton’s goaltending plans. Whether Skinner remains the long-term answer or becomes a bargaining chip in the team’s quest for stability between the pipes, his role will be pivotal in shaping the Oilers’ playoff hopes this season.

Stay tuned as the Oilers’ goalie carousel could be turning soon.