3 Goalie Trade Targets Oilers Can Build Future With

The Edmonton Oilers appear to be looking for a young goalie who can be a long-term solution in net, whether that means Stuart Skinner will be sticking around too much longer or not. The first reported name that it seems like the Oilers were gunning for was Trey Augustine from the Detroit Red Wings, but he was a non-starter in trade conversations. That shouldn't stop the Oilers from looking into more goalies around the league though.

Michael DiPietro, Boston Bruins

A goalie who is absolutely ready for the NHL is Michael DiPietro. The Boston Bruins have Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo under contract for at least the next three seasons, even though Korpisalo appears to be on the trade block and could be moved. DiPietro is 26 years old and has only played in three NHL games, but after spending all of 2022-23 in the ECHL, he found his way back to the AHL and has dominated for the Providence Bruins, finishing last season with a 2.05 GAA and .927 SV% in 40 games. He is eligible for waivers and I have a good feeling a team is going to grab him if he becomes available. He could be an immediate option in the NHL for Edmonton and even potentially play 30-35 games.

Sebastian Cossa, Detroit Red Wings

Once the Oilers got a no for Augustine, it doesn't seem that was the same response for Sebastian Cossa, the other strong Red Wings' goalie prospect. He is more NHL-ready and is under contract, appearing in his first game last season. He may or may not be ready for a backup role in the NHL, but Cossa is just 22 years old and has had two solid seasons in the AHL the past two years, posting a .911 SV% or better in 40+ games each season. He is a RFA after next season and there is team control for a number of more years while DiPietro is going into the first of a two year contract before becoming a UFA.

Erik Portillo, Los Angeles Kings

Erik Portillo may be a less known name, but he is a good young goalie all the same. Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, they moved him over to the Los Angeles Kings because he wasn't going to get a look with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in the organization. He now finds himself behind Darcy Kuemper and newly signed Anton Forsberg who are both under contract for two more years, while Pheonix Copley is signed for next season as the third string. While it may seem like he has a look for the future, the team has Carter George turning pro full time next season. He is arguably Canada's top goalie prospect and just played very well in the World Juniors last year. Portillo is 24 years old, massive, did very well in his one NHL game last season, and is signed for two more years before he is a RFA. He has done well everywhere he's gone except a little struggles last season. He is nearly NHL-ready.

Devon Levi (Longshot), Buffalo Sabres

Those are the three that the Oilers should have their sights on as Arturs Silovs is probably not an option anymore after the Vancouver Canucks traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins instead of a rival. But a longshot I've identified is Levi. He has spent the last two seasons between the NHL and AHL as the Sabres haven't been good and he hasn't found his footing in the NHL. That could be a reality once again as Alex Lyon was signed for two years. The Oilers are a much better team defensively if you actually look at stats and not opinion. He would still cost a lot and I'm not sure if the Sabres are ready to give up on him yet, but a bounce-back season by Luukkonen could change things.