According to NHL insider Chris Johnston on The Athletic, Connor McDavid has made his expectations crystal clear: management needs to deliver on specific roster adjustments this summer. At the very top of that priority list? Finding a legitimate, reliable starting goaltender.
If you’ve watched the Edmonton Oilers lately, you know that the crease remains a glaring vulnerability. Tristan Jarry still has two years remaining on his contract, but his recent performances haven’t exactly imbued confidence that he can anchor a deep playoff run. With Connor Ingram eligible to hit the unrestricted free agent market on July 1, the Oilers are running out of internal and cheap external options.
The problem is that the pickings are incredibly slim in this summer’s UFA market. If Edmonton wants an elite netminder, they have to hit the trade market. Enter Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. He is a Stanley Cup champion with the pedigree to handle high-pressure markets, making him the prime trade candidate the Edmonton Oilers must target this offseason.
Evaluating the Blockbuster: Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues Trade Breakdown
Looking at the numbers, the Edmonton Oilers are actually in a decent position to make a splash. They are projected to have over $16.4 million in cap space for the 2026-27 season, with 15 active roster players already under contract. However, finding a suitable goaltender is going to be difficult given the severely limited talent pool available.
It is easy to throw names at a whiteboard and suggest trading for Binnington, but in the NHL, reality requires navigating complex contracts. Binnington holds a 10-team no-trade list. While there is no absolute certainty he’ll accept a trade to the Oilers, the allure of chasing another Stanley Cup alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl might be enough to convince him to waive it.
Why Jordan Binnington Solves the Oilers’ Crease Crisis
So, what would a realistic trade package look like for the Oilers to pry Binnington out of Missouri? Here is a proposal that makes sense for both franchises:
Edmonton Oilers Receive:
- Jordan Binnington (G) (Cap Hit: $6.0M AAV, signed through 2026-27)
St. Louis Blues Receive:
- Tristan Jarry (G) (Cap Hit: $5.375M AAV, signed through 2027-28)
- 2027 1st-Round Pick (Edmonton)
- Beau Akey (D) OR 2026 2nd-Round Pick (Edmonton)
From my perspective as an NHL analyst, this is a quintessential “win-now” hockey trade. For the St. Louis Blues, taking on Jarry’s slightly bloated contract is the necessary tax required to pry a highly coveted 1st-round pick and a top-tier prospect (like Beau Akey) out of Edmonton. This move immediately accelerates the Blues’ ongoing retooling phase.
For the Edmonton Oilers, giving up future assets is an absolute no-brainer. The Stanley Cup window is wide open right now, and McDavid’s prime cannot be wasted on subpar goaltending. Binnington brings swagger, playoff experience, and a fiery competitive nature that could galvanize the Oilers’ defensive zone.
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