BREAKING NEWS: Edmonton Oilers Sign Two Goaltenders from Toronto Maple Leafs in Major Roster Move- Edmonton, AB – Just moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers shocked the hockey world with a major announcement: they have officially signed two goaltenders from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a bold offseason move designed to solidify their netminding position heading into the upcoming NHL season…..
BREAKING NEWS: Edmonton Oilers Sign Two Goaltenders from Toronto Maple Leafs in Major Roster Move
Edmonton, AB – July 4, 2025
In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves through the NHL landscape, the Edmonton Oilers have announced the acquisition of two goaltenders from the Toronto Maple Leafs, a blockbuster move that underscores the franchise’s determination to address its long-standing concerns in the crease.
Just moments ago, Oilers General Manager Ken Holland confirmed that Joseph Woll and Ilya Samsonov are officially headed to Edmonton, marking one of the boldest goaltending transactions in recent NHL history. The deal, finalized after intense negotiations over the past week, is a calculated gamble by the Oilers’ front office, who are clearly aiming to capitalize on the franchise’s current Stanley Cup window.
The Details of the Deal
While full contract terms have yet to be disclosed, reports indicate that the Oilers have signed Woll to a 3-year deal worth $11.5 million, while Samsonov has inked a 2-year, $9 million contract. These signings follow Edmonton’s recent decision to move on from veteran goaltender Jack Campbell, whose tenure with the Oilers was marred by inconsistency and injuries.
To clear cap space, the Oilers are believed to have traded depth forward Dylan Holloway and a 2026 third-round draft pick to Toronto, who were actively looking to offload one of their goaltenders due to internal cap constraints and their decision to lean on rising talent Dennis Hildeby moving forward.
Edmonton’s Goaltending Woes: A Look Back
Goaltending has been the Achilles’ heel of the Oilers over the past several seasons. Despite the star power of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl up front, the team has repeatedly fallen short in the playoffs due to unreliable play in net. Last season, the Oilers rotated between Stuart Skinner and Campbell, both of whom struggled with consistency.
Skinner, while showing flashes of brilliance, faltered under pressure in key playoff moments. Campbell, meanwhile, never found his footing in Edmonton, posting a sub-.900 save percentage and often looking lost between the pipes.
By bringing in Woll and Samsonov, the Oilers are signaling a complete overhaul and embracing a tandem that combines youth, upside, and playoff experience.
Meet the New Netminders
Joseph Woll, 26, is coming off a breakout campaign in Toronto where he posted a 2.59 GAA and a .919 save percentage in 35 starts. Widely praised for his calm demeanor, lateral quickness, and technical refinement, Woll had emerged as a fan favorite and was considered the Leafs’ goalie of the future. However, Toronto’s tight cap situation and their internal goalie depth forced them to part ways.
Ilya Samsonov, 28, is a more experienced goaltender who has had a roller-coaster NHL career. After early stints with Washington and then Toronto, Samsonov has consistently shown flashes of elite-level performance, including a stellar playoff run in 2023. Last season, he posted a .905 save percentage in 42 appearances and remains a physically imposing and athletic goaltender with the ability to steal games.
Together, the duo gives Edmonton flexibility: Woll brings steady, calculated play, while Samsonov can deliver momentum-swinging performances.
Reaction from Around the League
Reactions have been swift and varied. TSN analyst Craig Button called the move “a high-risk, high-reward play that could finally balance the scales in Edmonton.” Former Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson praised the front office, noting that “with the firepower they have up front, average goaltending isn’t good enough. They need to win games 2-1 in the playoffs. This could get them there.”
Meanwhile, some critics have questioned whether Woll and Samsonov are the right combination. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos noted that “neither of these guys has carried a team through four rounds of playoff hockey. This could go either way.”
What This Means for the Oilers
For Edmonton fans, this move brings hope. McDavid and Draisaitl are in their prime, and the time to win is now. With Evan Bouchard’s offensive explosion from the blue line and Zach Hyman continuing his scoring touch, the only remaining question mark had been in net.
By signing Woll and Samsonov, the Oilers have not just answered the question—they’ve roared back into the Western Conference conversation as serious Cup contenders.
This also sends a message to the locker room: the front office is all-in. No more excuses. No more goalie drama. It’s time to deliver.
Final Thoughts
The Edmonton Oilers have pulled off one of the most ambitious and potentially transformative offseason moves in franchise history. By signing two goaltenders from a major rival, they’ve reshaped the team’s identity and addressed their most glaring weakness.
If Woll and Samsonov can rise to the occasion, this might just be the move that delivers Edmonton its first Stanley Cup since 1990.
One thing is certain—the battle in the crease is just beginning.