Scribe Details How Oilers Could Actually Pull Off Wild-Card Shake-Up Trade

After Saturday’s 9-1 disaster against the Colorado Avalanche, frustration around the Edmonton Oilers has reached its breaking point. Fans are calling for a change, and The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell thinks it might take a major shake-up trade to turn things around.

Mitchell’s latest column breaks down what a true roster overhaul could look like — and why goaltending might be at the center of it all.

Can the Oilers Afford Juuse Saros?

Mitchell lists Juuse Saros as the dream target. The Nashville Predators’ goalie would instantly stabilize the crease, but his $7.74 million cap hit makes it nearly impossible for Edmonton to fit him in.

To pull off the trade, GM Stan Bowman would need to move money — possibly Adam Henrique or Stuart Skinner — and sweeten the deal with prospects like Matt Savoie or Ike Howard, plus draft picks in 2026 or 2027.

It’s bold and risky, but a goaltending upgrade of that magnitude might be what Edmonton needs to salvage its season.

Smarter Options: Cossa or Postava

If the Oilers choose patience over panic, Mitchell points to Detroit’s goaltending depth as a more realistic path.

Prospects Sebastian Cossa (.939 save percentage in Grand Rapids) and Michal Postava could be long-term answers under team control. Both are cheaper, younger, and give Edmonton a chance to build stability in goal beyond this season.

There’s also a wild card: Marc-André Fleury. Mitchell suggests Bowman keep tabs on the veteran in case he decides to make an NHL return. He writes, “I’ve mentioned Marc-Andre Fleury as an option in the past. There’s zero hint he plans a return to the NHL, but Bowman should keep tabs on him and make an offer if and when Fleury changes his mind.”

Oilers Fans Aren’t Convinced

Reaction to Mitchell’s proposal was mixed. Some fans think the Oilers don’t have the trade assets to land a top goalie, while others believe management should focus on fixing the defense first.

One reader called it a “nightmare scenario,” while another floated Paul Coffey returning behind the bench to stabilize the blue line.

Whatever the solution, the message is clear — something big has to change soon. Edmonton’s window to fix this season is closing fast.

Next: Oilers Lose Key Forward For About a Week