Oilers Goalie Development
Edmonton Oilers Aim to Break History, Develop New European Goalie Prospects into NHL Starters
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The Edmonton Oilers have never turned a European-drafted goalie into an NHL starter — and they've had 11 chances to do it. Now, according to Edmonton Sun, the team is trying again with three young European goalie prospects who have yet to play a single NHL game.
The push marks a historic test for the franchise. Calgary Herald reports that Daniel Salonen, Samuel Jonsson, and Eemil Vinni make up the club's new core of European goalie prospects, with Salonen ranked 22nd overall in the Cult of Hockey's 2026 prospect series.
11 Picks, Zero Starters: The Oilers' Long Goalie Drought
Over their entire history, the Oilers have drafted 11 goalies from Europe. Not one made it as a starting NHL goalie. The Observer notes that one of those picks was a 26-year-old Finnish veteran taken straight out of Finland — a player never truly developed by the team at all.
That track record makes the current push unusual. Most NHL teams have found success developing European goalies. The Oilers have not. Sudbury Star points out the team is now focused on changing that pattern for the first time in franchise history.
Daniel Salonen Leads the New Wave of Euro Prospects
Salonen is the headliner of the group. Ranked 22nd overall in the Cult of Hockey's 2026 prospect rankings, he is seen as the most advanced of the three young goalies. Calgary Herald describes him as a key part of the Oilers' top six goalie prospects.
Jonsson and Vinni round out the trio. None of the three has appeared in an NHL game yet. Recorder reports the Oilers are betting that all three can develop into legitimate NHL options — something no European goalie drafted by Edmonton has ever done.
Why Developing Goalies From Europe Is So Hard
European goalies face a steep climb to the NHL. They must adjust to a wider North American ice surface, a faster game, and a new culture. Many promising European goalies drafted by NHL teams never make the jump. For the Oilers, that struggle has been total — zero successes in over four decades.
Crag and Canyon notes the Oilers are now focusing resources on this group. The franchise appears to believe that Salonen, Jonsson, and Vinni represent a real chance to finally break through. If even one reaches the NHL as a starter, it would be a first in Oilers history.
What Success Would Mean for the Franchise
The Oilers are built around stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Finding a homegrown goalie — especially a cheaper, developed-in-house one — would give the team more flexibility to build around those forwards. Goalie development is one of the most cost-effective ways to build a contender.
Hanna Herald reports the organization is committed to the process. The Oilers have never done this before with a European goalie. But with three prospects in the pipeline at once, PR Record Gazette suggests this may be the best shot they've ever had.
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