Edmonton Oilers
Insider Argues Oilers Should Be Paid to Take On Polarizing Goalie
One NHL insider says the Oilers shouldn’t trade for Juuse Saros — and argues Edmonton should be paid to take on the pricey contract.
The chatter about Juuse Saros to Edmonton refuses to die, but one NHL insider made it clear this is exactly the move the Oilers should avoid. In fact, Frank Seravalli didn’t just advise against trading for Saros — he suggested the situation is bad enough that the Nashville Predators should have to pay Edmonton to take on the contract.
Speaking on the Oilers’ tricky goalie landscape, Seravalli broke down why Saros isn’t the answer for a team potentially looking to stabilize its crease. And it goes far beyond the price tag or the trade cost.
First, Saros is just starting out on an eight-year extension that will carry him straight into his late 30s. That’s an enormous commitment for a goaltender whose performance has already dipped significantly. Seravalli pointed out that Saros has now posted two straight seasons of underwhelming numbers.
Second, Edmonton doesn’t have the cap space. Saros would immediately double what the Oilers currently spend on goaltending, and for a team built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, loading that much money into the crease is a gamble they can’t afford. Sure, Stuart Skinner would likely go back in the deal, but the exchange in salaries is not enough to avoid a ripple effect throughout the roster.
Third — and maybe most important — Seravalli questioned the fit. Saros is a smaller goalie whose postseason track record hasn’t silenced critics. As Seravalli put it, the big concern is whether Saros gives a team more comfort in the playoffs, not just the regular season. For Edmonton, the answer might be no.
Should the Predators Have to Pay to Move on from Saros?
Then came the kicker:
“From 30,000 feet, Nashville should have to pay you to take that deal.”
That’s not exactly a glowing endorsement from one of the league’s most plugged-in insiders. For fans begging the Oilers to swing big in net, this is a sobering reminder that the biggest name isn’t always the right one.
It also reinforces the belief — echoed by Elliotte Friedman — that Stan Bowman doesn’t see a goalie on the market who’s a meaningful upgrade over Stuart Skinner.
And if Saros isn’t the answer? The Oilers may have no choice but to ride with what they’ve got.
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