Oilers Eye Jacob Markstrom as Goalie Market Boils Over

The Edmonton Oilers are once again being linked to a potential trade for a starting goaltender, this time with Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils in play as the team looks to solidify its netminder situation ahead of the 2026-27 season.

With Tristan Jarry’s tenure in Edmonton proving to be a disappointment and Connor Ingram set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, the Oilers are reportedly considering a shakeup in goal. As the Western Conference continues to grow more competitive, GM Stan Bowman is under pressure to provide stability between the pipes for a team led by Connor McDavid.

Markstrom, 36, is coming off a season in which he posted a 23-19-1 record with a 3.07 GAA and an .883 save percentage in 43 games. He recorded one shutout and is entering the first year of a two-year, $12 million contract he signed with the Devils in October 2024. While his numbers haven’t been elite in recent years, his experience and track record could make him a viable option for a playoff push.

Rob Ellis of NHL Trade Rumors wrote: “When evaluating the NHL landscape, two intriguing destinations emerge: the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. For Edmonton, the Connor McDavid championship window demands absolute certainty. Even with Tristan Jarry in the mix as the starter, the Oilers’ front office knows that an established veteran like Markstrom can provide the 1A/1B stability needed for a grueling playoff run in the loaded Western Conference.”

The Oilers already have Jarry under contract at $5.375 million annually for the next two seasons, making Markstrom’s $6 million cap hit a potential concern. However, if Edmonton can acquire him with salary retained or in a trade that includes draft picks or prospects, it could be a move worth considering.

Markstrom’s age and recent performance raise questions about his long-term viability, but his contract and the Devils’ cap flexibility could make him a trade target for teams like the Oilers looking to add a veteran presence.

With the trade market heating up and the UFA class lacking top-tier goaltending options, the Oilers are expected to continue monitoring the situation. A move for Markstrom could come as early as the next few weeks or wait until the trade deadline in February 2027.

The Oilers have until July 1 to make a decision on Ingram, and with Jarry’s struggles and Markstrom’s availability, a shift in the netminder room is looking increasingly likely.