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Edmonton Oilers Nearly Traded for Star Franchise Goalie: Could They Circle Back?

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 10:12 AM ET

The Oilers poked around and nearly traded for Bruins franchise goalie Jeremy Swayman, leading many to wonder whether they may do so again this summer.

The Edmonton Oilers know they must do everything they can to improve their goaltending heading into the 2025-2026 season.

The duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard underperformed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leaving the Oilers on the losing end of the Finals for two straight times vs. the Florida Panthers.

The Oilers have long known that goaltending was an issue. That's why they reportedly tried to take a huge swing to fix it before the start of last season.

According to a new report from Jimmy Murphy of RG, Edmonton was one of multiple teams that 'poked around' on Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman. A league source confirmed to Murphy that the Oilers inquired about Boston's top goalie.

'They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman,' the source said. 'But yes, I was told they poked around.'

All this happened before the Bruins inked Swayman to a massive new contract extension. He now makes just over $8 million annually and is a major piece of their core.

The Oilers tried to acquire Swayman for a second time at the deadline

That didn't stop the Oilers from reaching out again during this past trade deadline, yes, you heard that right, they tried once more.

The Bruins were in a full-on fire sale, moving on from their captain, Brad Marchand, as well as veterans like Brandon Carlo, Justin Brazeau, Charlie Coyle, and Trent Frederic, who was sent to Edmonton.

Swayman was not one of the players the franchise was ready to move on from, but perhaps that changes this offseason, and maybe Stan Bowman takes another crack at it to try and fix his team's goaltending.

So, the Oilers swung and missed with Swayman, but it shows that Edmonton's front office is keenly aware and trying to improve the goaltending position.

It shows how difficult a deal can be to make in the NHL and how costly acquiring a franchise goalie is. The Oilers will keep looking this summer as they try to finally put the right pieces together in net, and maybe Boston finally gives in this time.

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

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