The Edmonton Oilers face pressing concerns about their goaltending as they prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season, casting doubt on the ability of current goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard to lead the team to a Stanley Cup victory. Ongoing inconsistencies, particularly during critical playoff moments, have fueled discussions about the need for fresh talent in the net.
Analysts believe the Oilers cannot continue relying on the present tandem without risking another early exit. TSN analyst Marty Biron proposed the idea that Edmonton should consider trade possibilities, highlighting Columbus Blue Jackets’ goaltender Elvis Merzlikins as a viable candidate who might benefit from a new environment.
“I tossed a name like Elvis Merzlikins out earlier just because Columbus already traded Tarasov to Florida. They have Jet Greaves as an up-and-comer. Maybe they say, ‘Okay, Elvis, change of scenery will do good,’ and maybe they’re looking to retain. I don’t know. But that would be an upgrade for me. You’ve got to be creative if you’re going to upgrade.”
Merzlikins could represent an improvement for Edmonton, especially since Columbus recently shifted younger talent like Jet Greaves into focus. Biron emphasized the importance of innovative moves if the Oilers want to enhance their goaltending options effectively.
The Urgency to Act Inspired by Other Teams’ Moves
During commentary, Brian Hayes stressed that the Oilers must reject complacency after falling short in two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. He pointed to the Colorado Avalanche’s decisive overhaul of their goaltending lineup last season as a blueprint for what Edmonton needs to do. Maintaining the current status quo is simply unacceptable for a team with championship ambitions.
“Standing pat is simply not a possibility. It can’t be in Edmonton. Now, they don’t play on July 1st. They don’t play on July 2nd or July 3rd. You have a couple of months to figure it out. Look at what even Colorado did last year. They completely turned over their goaltending room,” Hayes said.
The Oilers have the offseason window to execute bold decisions to strengthen their defensive backbone, which analysts agree is critical for a successful title push.
Ongoing Contract Discussions Cloud Future with Connor McDavid
Compounding the team’s uncertainty is the situation surrounding Connor McDavid, who is finishing the last year of his $100 million deal. As the star forward becomes eligible to sign an extension this summer, no deal has yet been finalized, leaving room for speculation about how long negotiations could drag on.
Chris Johnston commented on the likelihood that McDavid’s contract talks may stretch into the upcoming season, reflecting McDavid’s desire to fully understand the team’s direction before committing long term.
“100% chance. Absolutely. Absolutely. Depending on what happens.” Because Connor McDavid still needs to see where the organization’s going and what he really wants to do, how long he wants to commit,” he said.
Reports suggest McDavid might opt for a shorter-term extension, possibly spanning three or four years, instead of immediately agreeing to a lengthy contract, leaving Edmonton with some uncertainty as they plan their roster and resources around his future.
The Road Ahead: Goaltending Decisions Crucial for Edmonton’s Title Hopes
As the offseason progresses, the Edmonton Oilers remain under significant pressure to make decisive moves to improve their goaltending situation and secure the support needed for their Stanley Cup aspirations. Considering trade options like Elvis Merzlikins could provide the spark the team requires to build a more reliable defensive core. Meanwhile, McDavid’s contract outcome will also influence the franchise’s future strategies considerably.
Ultimately, Edmonton’s ability to address these goaltending and contract challenges effectively will play a central role in determining their trajectory for the 2025-26 season and beyond.