Oilers Target Goaltending Upgrade After Playoff Collapse

The Edmonton Oilers are looking to make a major move in the goaltending market this offseason as they aim to rebound from a first-round playoff exit. With head coach Mike Babcock and general manager Stan Bowman under scrutiny, the Oilers are expected to pursue a proven starter to pair with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Jordan Binnington has emerged as a top target, while young prospect Sebastian Cossa from the Detroit Red Wings could also be on the table.

Stan Bowman made a questionable move by trading Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry. Skinner had been the Oilers’ starter for two straight Stanley Cup Finals, posting a .921 save percentage in 2024 and a .918 mark in 2025. Instead of keeping him for one more year, the Oilers brought in Jarry as their backup, only to rely on Connor Ingram in the playoffs. Ingram, who had a .904 save percentage in the regular season, struggled in the postseason with a .883 mark in five games.

The Oilers’ coaching search is also in full swing, with Mike Babcock drawing serious interest in Edmonton. Babcock led the Toronto Maple Leafs to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final and has a track record of success in high-pressure situations. If he takes the job, his focus will be on stabilizing the defense and finding a consistent goaltending solution.

Jordan Binnington is a name that keeps coming up in trade discussions. The 30-year-old has a 2.58 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage over the last three seasons. He won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and has proven he can perform in big moments. Binnington’s experience and leadership would be a major upgrade for the Oilers, who need a netminder who can carry the team when McDavid and Draisaitl are healthy.

Detroit’s Sebastian Cossa is another intriguing option. The 24-year-old has posted a .911 save percentage and a 2.46 goals-against average over four seasons in the minors. Cossa played junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings and has drawn comparisons to Oilers legend Grant Fuhr. While the risk is higher, the upside could be huge if he develops into a long-term solution.

With the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency just weeks away, the Oilers are expected to make a move before the July 1 trade deadline. Whether it’s Binnington or Cossa, Edmonton needs a goaltender who can carry the team into the playoffs and give McDavid a better chance to win his first Stanley Cup.