Oilers Eye Blockbuster Trade for Shesterkin Amid Stanley Cup Window

The Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be exploring a blockbuster trade for New York Rangers star goaltender Igor Shesterkin, a move that could reshape their Stanley Cup window. With $16.5 million in projected cap space this offseason, the Oilers have the financial flexibility to absorb Shesterkin’s contract. However, the deal would require significant salary shedding and player movement.

Shesterkin, who posted a .917 save percentage and 2.45 goals-against average in the 2025–26 season, has been a cornerstone of New York’s rebuild. The Rangers have yet to entertain serious trade offers for him, but the Oilers believe pairing him with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could finally provide the defensive stability they’ve lacked.

To acquire Shesterkin, Edmonton would likely need to move out high-salary players like Darnell Nurse or Tristan Jarry. Nurse, who carries a $6.5 million cap hit, has a full no-movement clause and has drawn trade interest from multiple teams. Jarry, meanwhile, struggled with consistency this season, posting a .908 save percentage and a 3.04 goals-against average.

A potential trade package could include prospects like Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and Connor Ungar, along with a first-round draft pick. Savoie, a projected top-six forward, has shown offensive upside with 12 goals and 28 points in 52 games this season. Ungar, a 22-year-old goaltender, posted a .923 save percentage in 13 AHL games in 2025–26, outperforming Montreal’s Jakub Dobes, who has a .918 mark in the playoffs.

The biggest obstacle remains Shesterkin himself. The Russian netminder owns a full no-movement clause, meaning he would have final say on any trade. The Rangers would also need to be convinced that the return, particularly in young assets, justifies moving one of their core players.

For the Oilers, the appeal is clear: Shesterkin could be the missing piece to a championship-caliber team. But with the Rangers unlikely to entertain offers anytime soon, the trade remains speculative. As the offseason approaches, Edmonton’s management will decide whether to pursue a bold move or focus on more traditional upgrades.