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Oilers Almost Landed All-Star at Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 1:54 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers fell short in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final once again, making it two straight years. Edmonton lost in six games to the Florida Panthers, closing the door on their 2024-25 season.

As the team enters into the offseason, the biggest question for the front office is to figure out how to get over tne hump. In each of the last few seasons, the Oilers have had a great offensive attack, but the defense has let the team down.

But during the playoffs this year, the defense was solid for the Oilers. This was until they met up with the Panthers, and then Florida was able to pick everything apart.

Additionally, the goaltending was shaky for Edmonton in the Final, with the team switching goalies mid-way through the series. So, a change in net could be on the table this summer for Edmonton.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers almost landed an All-Star goalie at the trade deadline. However, the player didn't want to come to Edmonton.

That would be goalie John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson reportedly didn't want to share a crease with Stuart Skinner, so he denied the trade.

Elliotte Friedman: There's debate about how much Edmonton looked at Ducks' John Gibson at the deadline; Gibson wasn't crazy about idea of sharing a crease with Stuart Skinner - SN 590
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 19, 2025

If Edmonton had landed the All-Star, things may have been a little different in the Stanley Cup Final. Gibson has declined a little over the past few years, but he is still a very solid goalie.

With how good the Oilers' defense was heading into the final series, maybe Gibson could have been the difference. Edmonton could look to go after Gibson again this summer, and the Ducks seem willing to trade him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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