Door Not Fully Closed on Future Goalie Deal Between Oilers and Blues

Trade speculation around goaltending always seems to follow the Edmonton Oilers, and the latest name tied to them is one of the biggest on the market: Jordan Binnington. However, a new report could throw meaningful cold water on those rumors. According to comments shared by Andy Strickland on The Cam and Strick Podcast, Edmonton is believed to sit on Binnington’s no-trade list — a revelation that immediately complicates what many assumed was a straightforward potential fit.

---

The tweet, shared by The Chirp, states that “to my knowledge, the Edmonton Oilers are on Jordan Binnington’s no-trade list.” If accurate, it instantly reshapes the conversation. A goaltending upgrade has been one of the loudest talking points around the Oilers this season, particularly with their Cup window firmly open and playoff expectations rising every year. On paper, Binnington checks many of the boxes: championship pedigree, battle-tested mindset, and the ability to steal games in high-pressure environments.

But a no-trade clause exists for a reason — control. If Edmonton truly is on that list, it means any deal would require Binnington’s personal approval, turning the Oilers from an aggressive pursuer into a waiting party.

Why the Oilers Made Sense in the First Place

Okay, so from a hockey perspective, it always made sense. The St. Louis Blues are changing things up, trying to stay competitive while rebuilding for the future. Binnington, who’s still got time on his contract and has a solid track record, is obviously one of their most valuable players they could trade. At the same time, Edmonton’s star players put a ton of pressure on their goalie in the playoffs. They’ve clearly been trying to find a reliable goalie for years.

That’s why the rumors seemed legit when guys like Nick Kypreos started saying the Oilers might be a top contender. Now, the latest report makes things a bit more complicated, but it doesn’t totally kill the idea.

Why Kypreos’ Reporting Still Matters

It’s key to find a good mix of doubt and trust. Kypreos is known for reporting info from sources, not guessing. It’s hard to think he’d say Edmonton is a real option without checking on contract terms like no-trade lists. It doesn’t mean the Oilers were approved, but it suggests the talk was based on actual league buzz, not just what fans want.

Insiders deal with changing situations all the time. One source might say there’s interest, while another brings up an issue. Both things can be true together.

Perhaps the most important context here is that no-trade lists are not stone walls — they’re living documents. Players routinely revise them as circumstances change. A shift in team direction, competitive window, lifestyle preferences, or even front-office trust can lead to reconsideration.

If Edmonton becomes more aggressive, demonstrates long-term belief in Binnington as their true No. 1, and aligns contractually in a way that benefits his future, the Oilers could absolutely be removed from that list. Contenders have a way of changing minds, especially when the Stanley Cup is realistically in the picture.

Where This Leaves the Oilers Right Now

This report definitely throws a wrench in the whole Binnington-to-Edmonton talk. The deal isn’t dead, but there’s a big change. Now, the Oilers wouldn’t just be talking to the Blues; they’d have to convince Binnington too.

This changes things a lot. It could make the price go up, slow things down, or even make Edmonton look at other goalies.

Still, the Oilers really go for it at the deadline when they think they’re close to winning it all. If they think Binnington is the answer, they’ll try everything, even with his no-trade clause.

Right now, the rumor is kind of on hold. It’s not off the table, but it’s not happening yet either. Like always in the NHL, the truth is somewhere between what the insiders are saying, what the players want, and what the teams are trying to do.

And since the deadline is still a ways off, this story probably isn’t over.

Next: Insider Addresses the Smoke Around a Darnell Nurse Trade