NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers may target All-Star goalie Michael DiPietro after back-to-back Cup Final losses

The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the NHL’s most dangerous teams over the past two years, reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Yet despite having Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the club has fallen short both times to the Florida Panthers.

For many fans, the weakness is clear: goaltending.

Oilers eye potential upgrade with AHL standout Michael DiPietro

General manager Stan Bowman has yet to pull the trigger on a goaltending move this offseason, but speculation is picking up. NHL insider Jeff Marek recently suggested on his podcast The Sheet With Jeff Marek that two names could be on Edmonton’s radar: Michael DiPietro of the Providence Bruins and Nico Daws of the New Jersey Devils.

“There are two that I wonder about,” Marek said. “I do wonder about Michael DiPietro, I do wonder about Nico Daws, and it becomes a different situation with a different backup to Stuart Skinner.”DiPietro’s case is particularly intriguing. Last season, the 25-year-old posted a sparkling 26-8-5 record, a 2.05 goals-against average, and a .927 save percentage in the AHL. His performance earned him the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the league’s top goaltender, cementing his reputation as one of the best netminders outside the NHL.

Nico Daws offers NHL experience at a budget-friendly price

While DiPietro represents upside, Nico Daws brings proven NHL experience.

The Devils’ 24-year-old netminder has appeared in 52 NHL games, recording a 22-23-1 record with a 2.98 GAA and .898 save percentage. His contract situation also makes him appealing, with just an $812,500 cap hit — the same figure as DiPietro.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: $81.5M star Artemi Panarin may face trade if Rangers miss postseasonWith Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard both entering the final year of their contracts, the timing may be right for Edmonton to explore a fresh option. Whether Bowman takes a swing on an AHL All-Star or a young NHL-tested goalie, the Oilers’ search for playoff-proof goaltending looks far from over.