The Edmonton Oilers are facing challenges in identifying their future starting goaltender. Historically, the franchise has developed only four goalies who have played over 200 NHL games in the nearly five decades since their inception. They are Andy Moog (1980), Grant Fuhr (1981), Devan Dubnyk (2004), and Stuart Skinner (2017).
Is Edmonton Oilers’ Future Star Goalie Thriving Unnoticed This Season?
Among the potential candidates is Samuel Jonsson, who currently plays for the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets. Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft (158th overall), Jonsson’s journey to becoming a number one NHL goalie is considered unlikely by scouts, yet he has shown promise since his draft.
Jonsson’s Impressive Resume
In his last season in Sweden, Jonsson earned the Goalie of the Year award in the Allsvenskan. He finished second in save percentage (.922) and led the league with six shutouts while maintaining a goals-against average of 1.88. The Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier league, is known for nurturing future stars of the NHL.
Since joining the ECHL, Jonsson has impressed with his statistics over the 2025-26 season:
| Month | Games | Save Percentage | Goals-Against Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 2 | 0.915 | 2.5 |
| November | 4 | 0.934 | 1.23 |
| December | 4 | 0.859 | 3.91 |
| January | 5 | 0.942 | 1.61 |
| February | 9 | 0.907 | 2.55 |
| March | 3 | 0.942 | 1.3 |
| Overall | 27 | 0.914 | 2.24 |
Assessing Jonsson’s Skills
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 201 pounds, Jonsson fits the modern NHL goalie profile. His initial weaknesses in lateral movement and quickness have shown improvement, according to scouting reports. By January 2025, he was noted for his refined coordination and control.
Despite progress, some experts remain cautious about projecting Jonsson as the Oilers’ future goaltender. Nevertheless, he has become a notable prospect within their system, presently ranked as the No. 4.
Future Opportunities and Organizational Challenges
There is an ongoing debate on when Jonsson will be ready for a higher level. Reports suggest that goalies peak earlier than traditionally believed. With this theory, Jonsson’s performance in both the Allsvenskan and the ECHL highlights his potentially strong upward trajectory.
The Oilers’ goaltending situation poses complications. They currently have multiple goaltenders, including Connor Ungar, who is also making strides in the ECHL. The decision on who should move up to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors is pending.
Both Ungar and Jonsson showcase performances that indicate readiness for the next level. However, management faces the challenge of determining which goalie to elevate.
Conclusion
Promoting Jonsson to the AHL could shift the Oilers’ goaltending outlook dramatically. The team has historically invested heavily in veteran goalies, seeking solutions without success. Embracing Jonsson’s potential could represent a more sustainable approach.
The coming months will reveal whether the Oilers will take a chance on Jonsson or continue exploring other costly options. Regardless, the situation calls for thoughtful decision-making as they consider the future of their goaltending depth chart.
