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Edmonton Oilers Goalie Unexpectedly Walks Away From the NHL to Sign Overseas

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 11:04 AM ET

Oilers goalie Olivier Rodrigue has unexpectedly decided to walk away from the NHL and sign a deal overseas with Barys Astana in the KHL, per Jesse Courville-Lynch.

As of the June 30 deadline , the Edmonton Oilers didn't extend qualifying offers to goalie Olivier Rodrigue, forward Cameron Wright, and forward Jacob Perreault. They became unrestricted free agents, free to sign with any NHL or AHL club.

Olivier Rodrigue Signs New Deal Overseas, May Never Return to the NHL

Now, at least one is off to foreign shores, as Olivier Rodrigue will sign with Barys Astana of KHL, says NHL insider Jesse Courville-Lynch.

Rodrigue, the 62nd overall pick of Edmonton in the 2018 NHL Draft, played the previous three seasons with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.

The 24-year-old took over as the Condors' starter when Calvin Pickard was in the NHL and Jack Campbell departed the organization.

Rodrigue made his debut with the NHL in 2024-25, playing in two games, and was a possible third-stringer for the Oilers. But a tough season in the AHL, along with upcoming arbitration rights, likely factored into the team releasing him.

The Bakersfield crease also became more crowded with prospect signings Nathaniel Day and Eemil Jonsson, and Rodrigue was left without a clear path to head in the organization.

While this marks the end of Rodrigue's NHL career, his playing days remain. He enjoyed periods of success at the AHL level and will now attempt to bring that into the KHL with Barys Astana.

Whether Rodrigue ever returns to play in the NHL remains to be seen, but we wish him the utmost success as he enters this new chapter of his professional career.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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