NHL Rumors: Oilers were 'in the mix' for Canucks goalie ahead of his trade to Penguins

The Edmonton Oilers were reportedly “in the mix” for former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Artus Silovs. Silovs, the 2025 Calder Cup MVP, was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday for Chase Stillman and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Insider Frank Seravalli noted that the Oilers were one of the teams close to landing Silovs. However, Edmonton did not make as compelling an offer as the Penguins.

Here’s what Seravalli had to say during an appearance on B/R Open Ice published on Tuesday:

“Interesting set up here as mentioned, Oilers were involved. I think there was another team that was in the mix, but just couldn't quite get it done as the Oilers don't really have a ton to offer.”

Edmonton’s prospect pipeline and draft capital have been depleted from years of trades and moves in an attempt to acquire pieces to win now. As such, Edmonton did not have enough to land the 24-year-old Latvian goaltender.

However, Seravalli added this interesting insight to his analysis:

“And we're entirely sure that Silovs is better than what they have right now. In Skinner, as well as Calvin Pickard. So interesting."

While Silovs had an outstanding run in the AHL playoffs, his NHL performances have been far from impressive. In 10 NHL games last season, Silovs posted a 3.65 GAA and an .861 SV%. Those numbers landed him back in the AHL.

That’s why Seravalli questioned how much better Silovs would have been compared to Edmonton’s current goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

Oilers still looking for an upgrade in the crease

John Gibson had been linked to Edmonton before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings - Source: Imagn

The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the teams most active in seeking an upgrade in the crease this summer.

Edmonton was linked to former Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson. Rumors had linked Gibson to "Oil Country" for quite some time. However, the Ducks ended up trading Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings during the 2025 NHL Draft.

That situation leaves Edmonton looking for options to upgrade in goal. This free-agent class did not feature any premier goalies, forcing Edmonton to look at options on the trade market.

Gibson was the most noticeable name available. But with Gibson now in Detroit, Edmonton will need to look for other options. Ultimately, the team may have to wait until the season starts before having a chance to land a true No. 1 goalie.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan