Analysts Link Edmonton Oilers to Divisive Former Maple Leafs Goalie

The Edmonton Oilers have been to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, and while they've come up short both times, they've given valiant efforts for themselves and for their fans.

Perhaps the biggest need for the team to improve is their goaltending, with suggestions that the team should go after a big name starter in a blockbuster deal this upcoming season.

Reporter Jason Gregor has predicted that the team will make some type of move in net before the 2026 trade deadline, and while their pickings right now are slim, there are options out there.

Unsurprisingly, the Oilers have been linked to several goaltending options in recent times, with Oil on Whyte naming former Maple Leaf and Vegas Golden Knight Ilya Samsonov as a player to watch on a potential PTO for the Oilers.

While he wouldn't come in and battle for the starting role, Samsonov could provide good competition for the backup spot, and given the departure of Oliver Rodrigue, he could be great depth for them in the AHL.

Last season in Vegas, Samsonov posted a 2.82 GAA and an .891 save percentage in 29 games played, and given that the 28-year old has plenty to prove, a PTO is likely the only way he's finding a role in the NHL this off-season.

Ultimately, the Oilers are in need of some type of change in net, and while Samsonov isn't quite at the level of Jeremy Swayman or other top goaltenders, on a cheap deal, it's one that makes perfect sense for both parties.