Oilers’ Goaltending Gamble Sparks Trade Speculation Amid Woll’s Rising Stock
The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for another season with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard slated to share the goaltending duties. Given the tumultuous ride they experienced last year, it’s surprising that the Oilers are sticking with this duo. The regular season and playoffs were filled with ups and downs, leading many to believe that a change was necessary. However, general manager Stan Bowman finds himself with limited options in the trade market, leaving him with little choice but to make the best of his current situation while he searches for alternatives.
Proposed Trade: Skinner and Jones for Woll
In light of this uncertainty, Caleb Kerney from Heavy Sports has floated a provocative trade proposal. The idea involves sending Stuart Skinner and Max Jones to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Joseph Woll.
The suggested deal raises eyebrows due to the implications it carries for both teams. According to Kerney, “This proposal would be massive because of the exchange of goaltenders. Skinner doesn’t have the same degree of injury issues as Joseph Woll. He becomes a solid 1B for Anthony Stolarz, who is more than capable of taking over the starting job if Stolarz falters or suffers injury.”
Max Jones, a 27-year-old forward drafted 24th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2016, would also head to Toronto. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 216 pounds, Jones contributed two points and 71 hits over 26 games split between the Oilers and Boston Bruins last season, showcasing his gritty playstyle.
Skinner’s Contract Situation
Stuart Skinner, now 26, is approaching the final year of a three-year, $7.8 million extension he signed with the Oilers in 2022. On the other hand, Joseph Woll, 27, is entering the first season of his three-year, $11 million deal with the Maple Leafs, signed in 2024.
Toronto’s Stance on Woll
For the Maple Leafs, trading Woll seems like a significant gamble unless an irresistible offer comes their way. His reasonable salary becomes increasingly valuable as the salary cap is expected to rise in the coming years. While Woll has faced injury challenges throughout his career, he demonstrated durability during the 2024-25 season, effectively sharing time in net with Anthony Stolarz, who has had his own injury concerns.
Reports indicate that the Maple Leafs are keen on extending Stolarz and maintaining their current goaltending setup for the foreseeable future. This arrangement would allow both goaltenders to manage their workloads effectively, ultimately benefiting the team’s overall performance.
Oilers’ Dilemma
For the Oilers, pursuing this trade makes sense given their current predicament. However, convincing Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to part ways with Woll in exchange for Skinner and Jones could prove challenging. The potential reward for Toronto seems to outweigh the risks of losing a promising goaltender who has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy.
As the season approaches, the conversations surrounding this proposed trade will likely intensify, leaving fans and analysts alike to wonder how the goaltending landscape will reshape for both franchises in the coming months.
