In an attempt to bolster the lineup around Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers are leaving no stone unturned. After the Vancouver Canucks traded Arturs Silovs elsewhere, the Oilers remain active on the goaltender market. Reports around the NHL hint that Connor Bedard’s Chicago Blackhawks might now be in Edmonton’s sights.
Fans can expect changes in Edmonton’s goaltending room, though exactly when those tweaks will arrive remains unclear. After falling short of the Stanley Cup once again, McDavid and company hope the front office will step in. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have proven reliable enough to lead the team to the final stage. Yet, their inconsistencies have clearly hindered the Oilers‘ shot at hoisting Lord Stanley.
Edmonton’s been waiting for over 35 years to win another Stanley Cup, and the wait has fans growing anxious. Therefore, this feels as good a moment as any to finally make a firm decision on the goaltending department.
As reported, it’s more likely a replacement for Pickard will be brought in, rather than one for Skinner—the starter. However, the market for a backup is not a walk in the park. Edmonton learned its lesson when showing interest in Silovs, only for Vancouver to deal him to Pittsburgh.
Connor Bedard holds the E. J. McGuire Award of Excellence during the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 26, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
This’ll do
Now, the focus has shifted mostly to Boston Bruins’ Michael DiPietro. However, a recent report has shone the light on Bedard‘s Blackhawks. After all, Chicago might be heading into training camp with something of a goaltending surplus.
see also
NHL News: Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks reportedly putting an end to legal dispute with Connor Bedard’s teammate
“[Oilers GM] Stan Bowman will continue to look for a goaltender before the start of the season. The Blackhawks might have three healthy NHL netminders in training camp—just something to keep tabs on,” as reported by Chicago Hockey Now.
Blackhawks’ goaltenders room
Indeed, Chicago’s roster could feature three NHL goaltenders when training camp begins in September. Still, that depends largely on Arvid Soderblom’s somewhat uncertain future. An RFA, the 25-year-old goalie has filed for salary arbitration. Soderblom and the Blackhawks have yet to reach an agreement to extend his stay in the Windy City.
Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers mans the crease against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Regardless, all signs indicate the Blackhawks will keep Soderblom in town. “The Blackhawks have over $21 million in cap space, so it is likely they will settle with Soderblom on a one-year deal,” Michael Augello reported on The Hockey News.
If Soderblom stays in Chi-City, the Blackhawks will have Spencer Knight, Drew Commesso, and Arvid Soderblom sharing goaltending duties. Knight is expected to be the starter, with Commesso and Soderblom serving as backups.
see also
NHL News: First-rounder drafted by Connor McDavid’s Oilers gets another chance to prove his worth with Senators
Canucks had other plans
Hoping to mend their aching hearts after missing out on Silovs, the Oilers might be interested in any of Soderblom and Commesso. It’s highly unlikely the Blackhawks would even listen to offers for Knight.
It wasn’t a matter of the Oilers lowballing that cost them their chance at the Latvian netminder. Instead, it was the Canucks’ firm stance against trading him within the division. “I am made to understand that the Canucks flat-out refused to deal him to Edmonton. At any price,” Edmonton Journal’s Kurt Leavins said.
SurveyWho would you rather the Oilers acquire from Chicago?
Who would you rather the Oilers acquire from Chicago?
ALREADY VOTED 0 PEOPLE
Whatever path the Oilers take, they better hope it leads straight to the Stanley Cup. Otherwise, the house of cards built in Canada’s Oil Capital might not hold. The consequences could be catastrophic for a franchise coming off back-to-back Final losses.
