Connor McDavid‘s Edmonton Oilers couldn’t acquire Arturs Silovs, but that isn’t stopping them from pursuing a goaltender for the 2025-26 NHL season. As recent reports suggest, a situation is brewing on the Boston Bruins that could lead to the organization’s newest addition in net.
It’s hardly a secret in the NHL anymore: the Oilers are in the market for a goaltender. Still, Edmonton may not be targeting a high-caliber starter and could be looking for a reliable backup instead. Regardless, it’s widely acknowledged that the Alberta team wants to tweak its current tandem.
A key addition to the home net at Rogers Place might be just what McDavid and company need to finally hoist the Stanley Cup. Over 30 years have passed since Edmonton last hoisted a Cup. The ‘City of Champions’ hasn’t lived up to its name since. Needless to say, something must change.
Reports indicated the Oilers were in the mix for Silovs but came out empty-handed because of Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, Edmonton might be tasting redemption, pursuing a netminder on the Bruins‘ system.
Goalie Michael DiPietro #75 of the Vancouver Canucks during the team warm up prior to NHL action against the Calgary Flames on February, 9, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“There’s another Silovs situation happening in the NHL. [This time] in Boston with Michael DiPietro,” insider Jeff Marek said during an episode of The Sheet podcast. “I just wanted to put lob that out there for Oilers fans, you might not have gotten Arturs Silovs, but you may get Michael DiPietro.”
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NHL News: Panthers vs Oilers Stanley Cup rematch is set for Connor McDavid’s possible final season in Edmonton
DiPietro’s background
DiPietro was selected by the Vancouver Canucks. He wasn’t given many chances to showcase himself in the NHL, though—similarly to Silovs. The former third-round selection in 2017 has appeared in only three games so far in his career.
His luck didn’t change in Beantown after being traded to the Bruins in 2022. Since joining the Spoked B, the 26-year-old goaltender hasn’t played in a single NHL game. He became a key piece to the Providence Bruins, instead. Last season, DiPietro recorded 26 wins, while registering an average of 2.05 goals-against per game and a .927 save percentage.
DiPietro joined Canada’s roster for the 2021 IIHF World Championship, where the Maple Leaf brought home the gold medal. Gerrard Gallant guided that team from behind the bench. The head coach has now surprised with his new coaching destination outside of the NHL.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before a game against the Florida Panthers in Game Five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 14, 2025.
Not panic, but urgency
While his numbers are far from mind-blowing, DiPietro might benefit from a move to the Wild Rose Country. Moreover, McDavid and the Oilers could end up uncovering a hidden gem to bolster their goaltending tandem. Even coach Kris Knoblauch admitted goaltending has been an issue of concern as of late.
“There were times where [our goalies] were exceptional and there were other times where we were wanting a little bit more from them,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said, via NHL.com.
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Defense wins championships. The Oilers should have learned that lesson by now — arguably, they know it by heart already. Perhaps, back-to-back losses to the Florida Panthers in the Final weren’t enough. Then, there might be no solution to McDavid and his teammates’ biggest headscratcher.
