Analyst makes claim that Oilers' goalies won't finish season with team

It is a bold prediction to make, given the 2025-26 season has yet to begin; but the assumption is as much a result of the goalies' past performances, as their ability to lock-down the net when it matters most.

Oilers' general manager Stan Bowman, however, appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach to his goaltenders, exercising the kind of patience, and faith, that analysts and fans alike seem not to have. If that will change for the GM, remains to be seen.

There have been several reports of late concerning Edmonton offering PTO's to free agent goalies, and making trade-calls with teams that have a goaltender to trade; but nothing official has been reported by Edmonton. Perhaps the silence itself is an indication that they are working behind the scenes.

It is true that, with only a few weeks remaining before start of training camp, unsigned goalies like Samsonov and Georgiev may be offered a professional tryout, but the closer the date gets, the odds of their availability diminishes, with other teams stepping up.

Yet, despite the Oilers' goalie concerns, Jason Gregor believes the team will have success next year.

Though the trade-deadline is the target all NHL teams adapt when it comes to making changes, in the Oilers' case it really is the date by which the team will know what they have in goal - whether a goalie that can bring a cup, or not.