Oilers Linked to 2 Goalie Upgrades in Crucial Year for Connor McDavid

Edmonton exploring options to bolster goaltending ahead of playoffs and McDavid's contract extension

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A fractured, multi-angled painting depicting the intense action of a hockey goaltender, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators, conveying the high-stakes nature of the Oilers' search for a reliable netminder.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes goaltending battle that could determine the Oilers' playoff fate and Connor McDavid's future.Anaheim Today

The Edmonton Oilers have been connected to two potential goaltending upgrades - Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators - as they look to solidify their roster ahead of a crucial playoff push and contract extension negotiations with star center Connor McDavid.

Why it matters

Goaltending has been a persistent issue for the Oilers, and improving in net could significantly boost their Stanley Cup chances. With McDavid entering the final year of his current deal, the team's performance this season could influence his long-term future in Edmonton.

The details

The Oilers are currently rotating between Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry in goal, but questions remain about whether that tandem is strong enough for a championship run. Wallstedt, a young Swedish goalie with the Wild, and Saros, an experienced starter with the Predators, have both been mentioned as potential trade targets that could provide more stability and reliability in net for Edmonton.

  • The Oilers have one regular-season game remaining against the Vancouver Canucks before turning their full attention to the playoffs.
  • McDavid is in the final year of his eight-year, $100 million deal, with a team-friendly two-year, $25 million extension kicking in next season.

The players

Connor McDavid

The star center for the Edmonton Oilers, who is entering the final year of his current contract and could be influenced by the team's performance this season.

Jesper Wallstedt

A young Swedish goaltender with the Minnesota Wild, who has been viewed as a potential trade chip and could provide immediate help and future stability in net for the Oilers.

Juuse Saros

The starting goaltender for the Nashville Predators, who has been mentioned as another potential option for the Oilers to acquire and provide more experience and reliability in net.

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What they’re saying

“When all those rumors were out about Jesper Wallstedt and how he was available and Minnesota would move off, Edmonton was a team that I thought of for him.”

— Jeff Marek, NHL Insider

“There is a little bit of here's another name that we should obviously consider once again, which is Juuse Saros, like not getting the gate for the most important game of the season. There needs to be some conversations about that as well.”

— Greg Wyshynski, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Oilers will face the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs, and their performance in the postseason could have a significant impact on McDavid's future with the team.

The takeaway

The Oilers' search for a reliable goaltender to support their star-studded roster and improve their Stanley Cup chances is a crucial storyline heading into the playoffs. The team's ability to address this need could ultimately determine the trajectory of the franchise and McDavid's long-term commitment.