After Saturday’s 9-1 disaster against the Colorado Avalanche, the frustration surrounding the Edmonton Oilers has reached a breaking point. Fans are calling for change, and The Athletics‘s Allan Mitchell thinks a major shake-up is needed to change the situation.
Mitchell’s latest column explains what a true roster overhaul could look like – and why goaltending could be central to it.
Can the oil companies afford Juuse Saros?
Mitchell mentions Juuse Saros as the dream target. The Nashville Predators goaltender would immediately stabilize the crease, but his $7.74 million cap hit makes it nearly impossible for Edmonton to fit him in.
To pull off the trade, GM Stan Bowman would have to move money — possibly Adam Henrique or Stuart Skinner — and sweeten the deal with prospects like Matt Savoie or Ike Howard, plus draft picks in 2026 or 2027.
It’s bold and risky, but a goaltending upgrade of that magnitude could be what Edmonton needs to save its season.
Smarter options: Cossa or Postava
If the Oilers choose patience over panic, Mitchell points to Detroit’s depth at goaltending as a more realistic path.
Prospects Sebastian Cossa (.939 save percentage in Grand Rapids) and Michal Postava could be long-term answers under team control. Both are cheaper, younger and give Edmonton a chance to build stability in goal after this season.
There is also a wildcard: Marc-André Fleury. Mitchell suggests Bowman keep an eye on the veteran in case he decides to make a return to the NHL. He writes: “I’ve mentioned Marc-Andre Fleury as an option in the past. There’s no indication he’s planning a return to the NHL, but Bowman should keep an eye on him and make an offer if and when Fleury changes his mind.”
Oilers fans aren’t convinced
Reaction to Mitchell’s proposal was mixed. Some fans believe the Oilers don’t have the trade assets to land a top goaltender, while others believe management should focus on improving the defense first.
One reader called it a “nightmare scenario,” while another had Paul Coffey returning behind the bench to stabilize the blue line.
Whatever the solution, the message is clear: something big needs to change quickly. The window for Edmonton to find a solution this season is fast approaching.
Next: Oil companies lose key for about a week
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