--- title: "Oilers Need a Goalie. Sharks Hold the No. 2 Pick. Both Could Deal." description: "Edmonton hunts for netminding upgrades this summer. San Jose listens on its top draft selection. Two paths, one trade market." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nhl-rumor-roundup-oilers-goalie-trade-targets-sharks-open-mox6e0h2 published: 2026-05-16T10:10:06.429294+00:00 updated: 2026-05-16T14:03:16.481087+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Oilers Need a Goalie. Sharks Hold the No. 2 Pick. Both Could Deal. > Edmonton hunts for netminding upgrades this summer. San Jose listens on its top draft selection. Two paths, one trade market. The Edmonton Oilers are expected to pursue goaltending upgrades via trade this summer after a season where their netminding proved inconsistent. The team needs reliable goaltending to complement its high-powered offense and make another Stanley Cup run. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and are open to trade offers, giving them flexibility to either select a top prospect or package the pick for immediate help. The Oilers' goaltending inconsistency was a glaring weakness in a season that otherwise showcased elite scoring talent. With the salary cap tight, Edmonton will likely target a mid-tier starter or a high-upside backup via trade rather than free agency. Potential targets remain speculative, but the front office is expected to be aggressive. The Sharks, in contrast, are rebuilding. Holding the No. 2 pick gives them leverage. They can draft a franchise cornerstone—likely Boston University center Macklin Celebrini or a top defenseman—or trade down for multiple assets. General manager Mike Grier has signaled openness to moving the pick if the return accelerates the rebuild. These two Western Conference teams operate on different timelines. The Oilers are win-now. The Sharks are building for tomorrow. But both could make major moves this summer that reshape their rosters. What's next: Expect trade talks to intensify around the NHL Draft in late June, with Edmonton targeting a goalie and San Jose fielding offers for the No. 2 pick. The Oilers' need for a goaltender is not just about winning games; it's about maintaining their high-powered offense's efficiency. Connor McDavid and the Oilers' stars rely on a solid netminder to keep the puck out. A trade allows Edmonton to address this need without overpaying, given their cap constraints. The Sharks, on the other hand, view the No. 2 pick as a strategic asset. They can use it to draft a top talent or trade down for multiple assets, giving them flexibility in their rebuild. This dynamic creates a unique opportunity for both teams to make significant moves that could alter their competitive landscapes. The Oilers' front office is likely to be proactive in their search for a goaltender, given the critical role it plays in their success. They will be looking for a goalie who can provide both immediate relief and long-term stability. The Sharks, meanwhile, are in a position to either accelerate their rebuild or pivot it based on the offers they receive. Their openness to trade talks indicates a willingness to act quickly and decisively, making them a potential match for the Oilers' needs. The Sharks' decision to trade the No. 2 pick could also set a market precedent, influencing other teams' draft-day strategies. For the Oilers, the urgency to secure a reliable goaltender is heightened by the window of opportunity in Connor McDavid's prime. Missing out on a trade could delay their championship aspirations, making this summer's moves crucial. ## Why this matters These trade rumors directly impact two NHL franchises' competitive trajectories. The Oilers need reliable goaltending to complement their high-powered offense and make another Stanley Cup run. The Sharks' decision on the No. 2 pick will shape their rebuild timeline and could trigger a significant trade involving multiple assets. For Edmonton, a wrong move could waste another year of Connor McDavid's prime. For San Jose, the pick represents a chance to accelerate or pivot their rebuild. The summer market will define both teams' next seasons. ## Frequently asked ### Why do the Oilers need a goalie trade? Edmonton's goaltending was inconsistent last season, costing them crucial games. With a high-powered offense led by Connor McDavid, the team needs reliable netminding to contend for a Stanley Cup. A trade is the most likely route given cap constraints. ### What could the Sharks get for the No. 2 pick? The Sharks could trade down for multiple draft picks or a young NHL-ready player. A team like the Oilers might offer a package including a goalie and a prospect. The return depends on how high the bidding goes. ### When will these trades likely happen? Expect trade talks to intensify around the NHL Draft in late June. That's when teams have the most leverage and clarity on their rosters. The Oilers and Sharks are both positioned to act. ### Are the Oilers considering free agent goalies? Free agency is an option, but the Oilers have limited cap space. A trade allows them to target a specific salary and term. They are more likely to pursue a trade for a mid-tier starter or a backup with upside. ### How does the Sharks' rebuild timeline differ from the Oilers'? The Oilers are focused on immediate success, aiming to win now. The Sharks, however, are building for the future, viewing the No. 2 pick as a strategic asset to either draft a top talent or trade down for multiple assets to accelerate their rebuild. ## Sources & Citations - [NHL Rumor Roundup: Oilers' Goalie Trade Targets, Sharks Open To Trading No. 2 Pick](https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-oilers-goalie-trade-targets-sharks-open-to-trading-no-2-pick) — The Hockey News (2026-05-08) --- Cite: Oilers Need a Goalie. Sharks Hold the No. 2 Pick. Both Could Deal.. Sportopod, 2026-05-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nhl-rumor-roundup-oilers-goalie-trade-targets-sharks-open-mox6e0h2