The Edmonton Oilers are once again making waves in the NHL offseason as they intensify their search for a goaltender ahead of the 2025-26 season. After missing out on Arturs Silovs, a highly touted netminder who ultimately went to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Oilers have shifted their focus to another promising goalie within the Boston Bruins organization: Michael DiPietro.
The Oilers’ quest to bolster their goaltending ranks is no secret. With over 30 years since their last Stanley Cup victory, the pressure is mounting on the Alberta-based team to make significant improvements, especially in net. Connor McDavid and his teammates have come tantalizingly close in recent years, including a hard-fought Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers in 2025, but the elusive championship remains out of reach.
Insider Jeff Marek recently shed light on this developing situation during an episode of The Sheet podcast, stating, "There’s another Silovs situation happening in the NHL. [This time] in Boston with Michael DiPietro. I just wanted to put lob that out there for Oilers fans, you might not have gotten Arturs Silovs, but you may get Michael DiPietro." This revelation has sparked excitement among Oilers fans hopeful that the team can uncover a hidden gem to strengthen their goaltending depth.
Michael DiPietro’s journey in professional hockey has been one marked by patience and perseverance. Drafted in the third round in 2017 by the Vancouver Canucks, DiPietro’s NHL opportunities have been limited to just three games. After being traded to the Boston Bruins in 2022, he has yet to make his NHL debut with the Spoked B but has been a key figure for their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins.
During the 2024-2025 season, DiPietro showcased his capabilities by recording 26 wins, maintaining an impressive 2.05 goals-against average, and posting a .927 save percentage. These statistics highlight his potential to be a reliable presence between the pipes, especially for a team like Edmonton seeking to solidify their goaltending tandem.
Adding to his credentials, DiPietro was part of Canada’s gold medal-winning roster at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, coached by Gerrard Gallant. This international experience further underscores his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to winning teams.
Despite DiPietro’s promising AHL numbers, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has been candid about the team’s goaltending challenges. Speaking to NHL.com, Knoblauch remarked, "There were times where [our goalies] were exceptional and there were other times where we were wanting a little bit more from them." This admission reflects the ongoing need for consistency in net, a factor that could be pivotal in Edmonton’s pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
The Oilers’ goaltending situation has been a sticking point for years. While Connor McDavid’s offensive brilliance often grabs headlines, the backbone of any championship team is a dependable goalie. Edmonton’s recent back-to-back losses to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final only amplified the urgency to address this area.
Previously, Edmonton’s interest in Arturs Silovs was well documented. However, Silovs ultimately landed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, leaving the Oilers to explore alternative options. The potential acquisition of DiPietro represents a strategic pivot, targeting a player with upside who could develop into a valuable asset within their system.
The Oilers’ offseason moves extend beyond goaltending. Discussions around the pros and cons of letting veteran Corey Perry go have surfaced, alongside rumors about free-agent targets and broader roster adjustments. These moves indicate a team actively seeking the right mix to complement their star-studded lineup.
With the 2025-26 NHL season on the horizon, Edmonton’s front office is under pressure to make smart decisions that will enhance the team’s competitiveness. The possibility of adding Michael DiPietro to the fold could provide the Oilers with the goaltending depth necessary to support McDavid and company in their championship quest.
While DiPietro’s numbers don’t scream superstar yet, his steady performance in the AHL and international success hint at untapped potential. For Edmonton, this could be the kind of calculated risk that pays dividends in the long run.
As the Oilers continue to tweak their roster, the focus remains clear: build a team capable of ending the three-decade Stanley Cup drought. Goaltending has emerged as a crucial piece of that puzzle, and Michael DiPietro might just be the unexpected solution to a persistent problem.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Oilers navigate this pivotal offseason. Whether DiPietro becomes the next key addition or serves as a stepping stone to future moves, the pursuit of a dependable goalie underscores the team’s commitment to finally hoisting the Stanley Cup once again.
