Insider Links Oilers to Big-Name Non-Rental Goaltender

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston has chosen the Edmonton Oilers as the team he believes could be connected to goaltender John Gibson. One of the names listed in a trade matchmaker article, Johnston thinks the Oilers are a good fit, despite the fact there isn’t “any apparent need at the position.”

Pierre LeBrun chose the Carolina Hurricanes, but Johnston believes the Oilers will want depth in goal in the event something happens to Stuart Skinner.

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Johnston explains:

This one requires a little imagination. The Oilers have been humming along through December with Stuart Skinner logging a majority of starts and don’t have any apparent need at the position. However, they are a bottom-10 team in terms of save percentage and aren’t loaded with options beyond Skinner in the event they ever have to play an extended run without him. So while Gibson may not be a priority addition, he could be a sensible one — especially in the scenario detailed above where he’s being acquired with a $3.2 million cap hit. Edmonton is all-in on chasing the Stanley Cup this season and the years beyond it when Gibson is under contract. The veteran is unquestionably an upgrade on what the Oilers currently have as a No. 2 to support Skinner.

Is Gibson a Backup or a Starter for the Oilers?

It’s an intriguing idea to bring in someone like Gibson because it raises a number of questions. First, who would be the starter? In Johnston’s scenario, it sounds like it would still be Skinner. It would be if and when Skinner is injured that Gibson would be needed. But, that requires Gibson, — who has a 10-team modified no-trade clause — would be OK waiving it to play backup for a few seasons.

Second, what happens to contract negotiations between the Oilers and Skinner? Do they try to re-sign him? He’s a $2.6 million cap hit who will inevitably get a big raise in 2026 when his contract expires. Do the Oilers try and do that deal knowing Gibson is in the system at what would be a much lower cap hit? Skinner would be 28 years old, and Gibson 33.

Of course, the Oilers must then wonder what happens with Calvin Pickard. He’s been so good for the Oilers, it would be a shame to lose him. It’s likely Pickard goes back to Anaheim in the deal, but it’s also fair to ask if the Oilers would do that trade, particularly given that they would have to give up a valuable draft pick to land Gibson and get the Ducks to retain 50% of his salary.

Next: Holiday NHL Wishlist: Trades We’d Love to See This Christmas