Edmonton Oilers
Big Update on Goalie Prospect Samuel Jonsson as Oilers Get Better News
The Edmonton Oilers might be losing one of their top goalie prospects to Sweden. Did they make a mistake with Samuel Jonsson?
August 24, 2026 Update: According to Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, “Regarding reports involving @EdmontonOilers goaltending prospect Samuel Jonsson, all indicators are that he will be attending EDM’s Rookie Camp in September. Further to that he is expected to play in North America this season.”
Original Post:
The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign so many goalies to work in their system may have left one top prospect feeling neglected. Goaltending prospect Samuel Jonsson is reportedly returning to Sweden for the 2026-27 season, which may not be a major development concern, but it could raise another issue worth watching.
Is he upset that the Oilers have potentially left him hanging?
Speaking as a guest on Oilers Now, Bruce Curlock, one of the top Oilers prospect evaluators, believes Jonsson returning to the SHL would still provide him with valuable competition. The 22-year-old would be playing in a strong professional league against veteran NHLers and other young players looking to make the jump to North America. From a pure development perspective, spending another season in Sweden would be damaging.
But he did raise a more concerning possibility.
“He’s going to play against young guys who are going to be in the NHL… So I think he’ll be fine developmentally wise. I think the concern I have is: What does the player think of the organization and what does the organization think of the player for doing this? Hopefully this was a mutually agreed decision. And, you know, he goes back for a year until the clog at the Oilers depth chart for goaltending clears up… I don’t want to see him stay there more than this coming season.”
Is This A Bigger Story Than It Appears?
Jonsson had a strong first season in North America with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets and seemed to have earned a chance to move up to Bakersfield in the AHL. Instead, Edmonton’s crowded goaltending depth chart has created a difficult situation.
The Oilers already have Matt Tomkins and Connor Ungar in the mix for Bakersfield, while Eemil Vinni was recently signed to a minor-league contract. Devon Levi was picked up in a trade with the Buffalo Sabers, and while he’s expected to get time in the NHL this coming season, he may wind up in the AHL.
That leaves Jonsson in an awkward position. If Bakersfield isn’t available to him, returning to Sweden could be a better developmental option than spending another season in the ECHL. However, there’s a difference between choosing the best development path and feeling like the organization doesn’t have a place for you. David Staples of the Edmonton Journal writes, “I don’t like those smoke signals at all. This comes across as an organizational screw-up.”
Maybe this is nothing. Perhaps Jonsson and the Oilers decided together that this was the best plan for his development and everyone is happy with the decision. Or, maybe this isn’t official yet. Neither side has confirmed this is happening.
Time will tell.
Next: Oilers Should Avoid PTOs and Trust Their Young Forwards
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