As the Thanksgiving weekend approaches in the U.S., the Edmonton Oilers find themselves just two points shy of securing the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. This standing has sparked speculation in the media that the team may seek to bolster its roster through trades to strengthen its playoff chances.
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos highlighted strong rumors connecting the Oilers with Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Kevin Weeks mentioned that Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins is also attracting significant attention as a potential goaltender acquisition for Edmonton.
Since the start of the season, there have been doubts about the performances of the Oilers’ current goaltenders, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, fueling trade rumors. Ideas such as the Florida Panthers signing Sergei Bobrovsky next July have been floated, but that wouldn’t help the Oilers immediately, especially since Bobrovsky’s re-signing seems likely. Another suggestion was a pursuit of Juuse Saros from the Nashville Predators, though such a move would require him to waive a no-trade clause and accommodate his hefty $7.74 million salary, likely beyond the Oilers’ financial reach.
Kypreos feels Binnington probably won’t be traded by the Blues, as he has a year left on his contract. Jarry, on the other hand, still has three years remaining on his deal and shares goalie duties with Arturs Silovs, while Pittsburgh’s prospects Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist play for their AHL affiliate.
In a possible trade scenario, Kypreos speculates the Oilers might send Skinner to St. Louis and could also attempt to add a defenseman from the Blues. Additionally, Weeks pointed out that Jarry has local ties, having played junior hockey for Edmonton’s WHL Oil Kings.
Edmonton Journal’s David Staples noted Binnington’s $6 million average annual salary compared to Skinner’s $2.6 million, underscoring the financial challenge for Edmonton to afford Binnington unless the Blues agree to retain some salary. Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, who suggested that the rumor involving Jarry seemed more plausible, though Jarry carries a $5.375 million cap hit, which complicates matters given the Oilers’ current goaltending depth. Also, the Penguins likely wouldn’t want Skinner in exchange.
The Oilers could realistically acquire either Binnington or Jarry, provided these players are not protected by no-trade clauses. However, convincing the Blues or Penguins to absorb part of the salary cap hit may require the Oilers to part with some of their promising prospects or a first-round pick in the 2027 draft, as their draft assets are currently limited.
Fan Take: This trade speculation highlights the critical juncture for the Oilers as they strive to secure a playoff spot. For hockey fans, acquiring a top-tier goaltender like Binnington or Jarry could be a game-changer that not only impacts Edmonton’s chances this season but also shifts the balance of power in the Western Conference.
