The Edmonton Oilers entered the offseason determined to reshape their goaltending picture, but one of their top trade targets is no longer available. The Detroit Red Wings dealt prized prospect Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for the 23rd overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft, forcing Edmonton to pivot after missing out on one of the market’s most intriguing young netminders.
Edmonton’s interest in Cossa had been widely discussed, but without a first-round pick, the Oilers lacked the assets to match Utah’s offer. The missed opportunity leaves general manager Stan Bowman searching for another long-term answer in a crease that remains unsettled heading into free agency.
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Edmonton Oilers now weighing value over pedigree
The focus now turns to alternative trade targets. The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell pointed to Michael DiPietro and Devon Levi as viable options after Cossa came off the board, writing on X: “AHL SP last season: Cossa .915, Michael DiPietro .930; Devon Levi .904. Cossa’s price tag was way too high and DiPietro may still be available.”
That view carries weight. Cossa enjoyed an impressive AHL season with a 26-8-4 record, but DiPietro’s numbers were even stronger (34-8-1 record with a GAA of 1.91). If Boston is willing to move him, Edmonton could land a younger goalie without paying a first-round price. Levi (13-7-4 record and 2.81 GAA) also remains an intriguing buy-low candidate if Buffalo is open to a deal.
From a team-building perspective, Edmonton cannot afford another expensive gamble. The organization needs a goalie who fits its salary structure while still offering upside beyond the 2026-27 season.
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Stability may matter more than another big move
The Oilers also have another option: avoid forcing a major change. Speaking on Oilers Nation, Tyler Yaremchuk questioned whether Edmonton should simply bring back Connor Ingram alongside Tristan Jarry.
“Sometimes I think change for the sake of change isn’t always a win,” Yaremchuk said.
Former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton agreed, noting Jarry’s career .907 save percentage and arguing the bigger issue is team structure rather than chasing a star in goal. “It goes back to building a better group around them. If you can get Ingram back on a decent contract, then you’re in pretty good shape,” Hutton said.
That may be the smartest path. Edmonton’s defensive play was inconsistent throughout last season, and no goaltender can consistently erase structural breakdowns.
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Missing out on Cossa is disappointing, but it should not push the Oilers into another panic move. Finding value, improving team defence and adding the right young goalie may prove more important than winning the offseason headlines.
