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NHL Analyst Links Edmonton Oilers to Future Hall-of-Fame Goaltender in Shocking Offseason Signing

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 11:42 AM ET

NHL analyst Allan Mitchell of 'The Athletic' linked the Oilers to a very shocking off-season signing: future Hall-of-Fame goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Edmonton Oilers' roster is more or less set heading into the offseason, short of the improbable late-summer availability of an elite netminder.

A scan of salary data and no-movement clauses at PuckPedia shows the opening-night roster is more or less set.

General Manager Stan Bowman needs only look to his father, legendary coach Scotty Bowman, for inspiration.

When Scotty was behind the bench of the expansion St. Louis Blues in 1967-68, he managed to succeed with veteran goaltenders Glenn Hall and Jacques Plante, both of whom had previously retired or considered retiring.

Fleury did announce his retirement but that doesn't mean he can't still play

Now, Marc-Andre Fleury is the most attractive veteran option. Although he has announced his retirement, no NHL team would refuse to have him. As for the Oilers, it's worth considering later near training camp, per NHL analyst Allan Mitchell.

'Among goaltenders, Marc-Andre Fleury is the most attractive name. His retirement leaves all NHL teams in the market all dressed up with no place to go. No matter the current situation, Oilers management should revisit the idea closer to training camp.'
- Allan Mitchell

Marc-Andre Fleury would provide experience, mentorship, and a calming presence with incumbent starter Stuart Skinner.

There'd be little tension, as Skinner would start the majority of games, and the Oilers would be a sure playoff lock with Fleury as the backup. By the time the playoffs came around, starts could be based on performance.

And if Fleury took the net? No one would complain about the credentials of a future Hall of Famer.

Though efforts to lure Fleury out of retirement have thus far been fruitless, the Oilers would be wise to keep trying. With their cap-strapped situation and limited trade assets, no superior option is realistically on the horizon.

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

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