NHL Rumors: Multiple Goaltending Trade Candidates Linked To The Oilers

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon reacts during 2025 game.

The Edmonton Oilers goalie trade candidates conversation is back on the front burner, and Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff just mapped the market in tiers. 

With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime and the window still open, Larkin argues Edmonton should explore upgrades even if Stuart Skinner steadies. His board ranges from low-risk veteran help to true franchise changers, giving general manager Stan Bowman multiple paths if he decides to act.

Low-risk options and buy-low swings for the Oilers

Larkin’s “low-ceiling veteran stopgaps” include Alex Lyon of the Buffalo Sabres plus David Rittich or Semyon Varlamov of the New York Islanders. They are short-term stabilizers who can carry innings if needed. 

The “buy lows with upside” bucket features Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres. Jarry has past Vezina votes and could rebound in the right environment. Luukkonen carries size, athleticism, term and the chance to pop on a competitive roster.

Bigger swings: realistic starters and pipe dreams

If the Edmonton Oilers want a truer No. 1, Larkin’s “realistic” starter tier points to John Gibson or Cam Talbot of the Detroit Red Wings, and Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets

Each could be pried loose depending on team trajectory and internal depth charts. For higher-upside bets on youth, Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Arvid Soderblom of the Chicago Blackhawks offer developing talent with NHL reps. 

Larkin’s “pipe dreams” are the stars everyone asks about: Joey Daccord of the Seattle Kraken, Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, and Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders. Those moves would take a monster offer, yet they frame the ceiling of what is possible if Edmonton swings big.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images