EDMONTON – Improving is the name of the game.
The Edmonton Oilers have earned two cracks at the Stanley Cup in two consecutive seasons. This is nothing to scoff at.
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However, as alluded to on Friday by Oilers GM Stan Bowman, the results haven’t been there. This may force the team to trade one of (or both) Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.
That duo has gotten the team to where they are today, a back-to-back Cup runner-up. The only problem with that is the Oilers are sick of being runner-up.
Because of this (obvious) frustration, the Oilers are once again being linked to goaltender John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. However, he is not the answer for the Oilers.
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EDMONTON – The best players are the best players for a reason.
Yes, he had a great 2024-25 season despite losing the starting job to youngster Lukas Dostal. In light of his very recent injury history, his longevity over an 82-game season, followed up by a two-and-a-half-month playoff grind, becomes a big concern.
Here are three other goaltenders the Oilers could target, through trade or free agency, that would be a better fit.
Dan Vladar
Dan Vladar is coming off a two-year $2.2 million contract with the Calgary Flames. He played a career-high 30 games in 2024-25, posting a 2.80 goals against average (GAA), a .898 save percentage (SV%), and two shutouts.
Vladar and the Flames are reportedly in the midst of contract negotiations. However, the 27-year-old may seek greener pastures, which the Oilers could undoubtedly be.
Thatcher Demko
Thatcher Demko has shown up on trade boards recently. With the Vancouver Canucks reliance on Kevin Lankinen last season, Demko could be on the outside looking in.
Injuries are a slight concern, considering a recent uptick in ailments for the 29-year-old. But he’s been a consistent goalie when he is healthy, and is much younger than Gibson, making him a more desirable acquisition.
Jeremy Swayman
This past season was a down year for Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who was outperformed by his new net-mate, Joonas Korpisalo. Considering that the Bruins traded captain Brad Marchand at the trade deadline, trading their prized goaltender doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility. (Not to mention that the Oilers expressed interest during the regular season.)
Not only does Swayman have a history of being a good netminder during the regular season, but his playoff numbers are fantastic. In 2023-24, he played 12 games, posting a 2.15 GAA and a .933 SV%.
The 26-year-old is going into the second year of a deal paying him $8.25 million. For this kind of trade to work for the Oilers, the Bruins would need to retain salary, and the Oilers would need to send out some salary.
As silly season continues, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a change of some kind in net for the Oilers. If they can find a way to make the money work, Swayman would be the ideal choice.
He would more than provide the upgrade they need.
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