Prominent NHL insiders are pouring cold water on the widespread speculation that the Edmonton Oilers are actively seeking to trade for a new goaltender. According to a recent discussion on the Oilers Now show, insiders Elliotte Friedman, Pierre LeBrun, and host Bob Stauffer all expressed skepticism about General Manager Stan Bowman making such a move in the near future.
Insiders Question the Logic of a Trade
The conversation, which took place on November 13, 2025, centered on the team's current options in the net. Bob Stauffer set the tone by directly challenging the popular narrative. He pointed to the success of Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland, who acquired two useful goalies last season, but suggested such a feat is not easily replicated. "A lot of people look to goaltending, but I don’t think you’re going to pull a Chris McFarland rabbit out of a hat like he did last year," Stauffer stated.
He further emphasized the practical challenges, noting, "We have people saying, 'You Oilers must trade for a goalie.' I have the perception that there aren’t a lot of teams looking to offload anybody right now." This sentiment highlights a seller's market, where finding a tangible upgrade is difficult.
Asset Depletion and Roster Stability
Pierre LeBrun expanded on the strategic considerations facing the Oilers' front office. He reminded listeners that the organization has already traded away a significant number of future assets in recent years in its pursuit of a championship. With core players and the head coach recently signed to contract extensions, the appetite for another major move may be limited.
"The Oilers have made a lot of moves here, they’re chasing it the last few years," LeBrun said. "So it’s not like you just pick up the phone if you’re Stan Bowman and start making all these moves... They’ve traded away a lot of assets to already knock at the door." His central question was a practical one: "Who are you trading for?... Who’s available, that’s a tangible upgrade."
Bowman's Calculated Approach
Elliotte Friedman provided insight into the likely thought process of GM Stan Bowman. He suggested that the Oilers have indeed evaluated the goalie market but have concluded that the available options do not represent a clear improvement over the current duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, especially when factoring in cost.
Friedman explained that Bowman's public comments often focus on key constraints: Skinner’s cap hit, acquisition cost, and who is truly available. According to Friedman, "his argument is 'No, there is not anybody else better right now.'"
While acknowledging that fans are not wrong to question the team's goaltending, Friedman believes Bowman's position is clear. "For the trades that he thinks he can make for a goalie, he doesn’t think it’s worth it," Friedman summarized. The assessment from management appears to be that the cost to acquire a new netminder would outweigh the potential benefits, leaving Skinner and Pickard as the best bet for the Edmonton Oilers moving forward.
