As the Nashville Predators continue to spiral, the trade chatter around their roster is only getting louder. When veterans like Ryan O’Reilly are calling out his and the team’s struggles and names like Steven Stamkos are being floated, no player is immune to speculation — not even Juuse Saros.
For the Edmonton Oilers, the idea of acquiring Saros is both tantalizing and polarizing. Insiders like Tyler Yaremchuk and Jeff Marek have already linked the Oilers to the Finnish goaltender, hinting that Nashville’s slide could be the opportunity Edmonton needs to solidify its crease.
But not everyone’s buying it.
Let’s tackle the three biggest objections to the idea — and why each might not hold up under scrutiny.
Objection 1: The Oilers Can’t Afford Saros’ Contract
At $7.74 million per year, Saros’ cap hit jumps off the page. It’s a valid concern — Edmonton’s roster already carries massive numbers for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Darnell Nurse.
But here’s the thing: the Oilers’ financial picture is about to change.
Next season brings new flexibility with expiring deals and a rising cap ceiling. More importantly, the team is in the heart of its Cup window — a stage where smart teams plan ahead, realizing how valuable previously signed contracts might be moving forward.
Juuse Saros trade rumors
Saros brings exactly that: a proven goaltender who’s played over 400 NHL games with a .914 save percentage and remarkable consistency. He’s not a short-term gamble; he’s a stabilizing anchor. He’s locked in to a cost-controlled contract.
Objection 2: The Oilers Would Have to Give Up Too Much
Sure — a Saros trade would cost a lot. Nashville would probably want a young roster player, a high draft pick, and likely another asset.
But what’s the cost of not making that move?
The Oilers have been elite for years, yet can’t quite find the goaltending consistency that championship teams need. It’s what separates contenders from champions. For Edmonton, giving up a young forward or a first-round pick isn’t mortgaging the future — it’s investing in the present. You make that move when your two best players are in their primes.
It’s not a reckless move; it’s a necessary one.
Objection 3: Saros Has a No-Move Clause
Yes, Saros holds control of his future. But if Nashville heads toward another rebuild, the conversation shifts. Players in their 30s don’t want to endure another multi-year teardown. Jeff Marek said it best:
“You can ask a player to go through one rebuild — not two.”
If Barry Trotz is honest about the franchise’s direction, he may give Saros the option to move to a contender. Edmonton, with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, would be one of the few destinations where Saros could compete for a Stanley Cup immediately.
And for a goaltender with nothing left to prove individually, that opportunity might be hard to turn down.
Juuse Saros isn’t just a luxury target — he’s a potential final piece in Edmonton’s championship puzzle.
Yes, the contract is heavy.
Yes, the trade cost would sting.
Yes, the no-move clause complicates things.
But when you’re this close to a Cup, every “no” deserves a second look.
Next: Janmark Nears Return, But Trade Rumors Linger Around Oilers Forward
