Edmonton Oilers linked to new number 1 goalie in potential trade

It should come as no surprise that Edmonton is at all connected to trade rumours concerning its goalies, given their continued up and down play, and the Oilers' slow start to the year in general.

From a talent perspective, there is no question that the Latvian goaltender can compete at the NHL-level. The real issue is whether he is an upgrade on Stuart Skinner and a true number-1?

Though he's had a great start to the season (4-1, 2.97 GAA, .915 SV%), his career numbers have been average. Over 234 starts, Elvis has posted a losing record of 98-101-35, with a 3.19 GAA and .902 SV%.

Of course, Merzlikins' inconsistency in Columbus could be the result of playing on a non-playoff team for the last five years; moving to a playoff contender like the Oilers could be what the 31-year old needs to elevate his game.

To his credit, Merzlikins has been named to Latvia's roster at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Milano, which can help the goalie's marketability should he perform well. Teams will no doubt be keeping a close watch on him.

Where Edmonton is concerned, the team did acquire Conor Ingram when he was placed on waivers by Utah, and given its troubles in goal, we could see him dress for an NHL game sooner than anticipated. He could very well be an internal solution.

Merzlikins is in the final year of a 5-year deal at a cap hit of $5.4M, which is a high risk given his performances over the years. For a trade to have any value for Edmonton, Columbus would have to retain a good portion of the salary.

All told, Elvis Merzlikins could be a decent target for the Oilers, but he comes with significant risks; the team would be better advised to turn to Ingram instead.