Oilers Eye “Next Binnington” on Waivers—Is Colten Ellis About to Replace Calvin Pickard and Shake Up Edmonton’s Goaltending Depth Chart?

The Edmonton Oilers may be on the verge of making a move that could quietly redefine their goaltending future, and it involves a name few casual fans have heard—yet. According to The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell, the Oilers are reportedly eyeing Cape Breton Island native Colten Ellis, a goaltender currently buried in the St. Louis Blues’ system, as a potential target via waivers or preseason trade. While this news might seem minor on the surface, the implications could be significant, even controversial, when you examine the bigger picture. With Stuart Skinner locked in as Edmonton’s starter and Calvin Pickard penciled in as the backup, a late-offseason shakeup involving a relatively unknown goalie could raise eyebrows and questions alike—especially if Ellis ends up proving to be more than just organizational depth.

Ellis, a 2019 third-round pick, has spent the last two seasons lighting up the AHL with the Springfield Thunderbirds. His .924 save percentage in 2023-24 would have ranked third-best in the entire league if he had logged enough minutes to qualify officially. That comes on the heels of a .922 mark the season prior—numbers that scream NHL-ready, even if the NHL hasn’t called yet. And therein lies the controversy: why has Ellis not had a single NHL appearance despite back-to-back elite AHL campaigns? Is it a matter of the Blues’ depth chart, or is there something NHL GMs aren’t seeing—or worse, ignoring?

With Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer firmly entrenched as the one-two punch in St. Louis, Ellis finds himself as the odd man out. Binnington, a Cup-winning veteran, isn’t going anywhere, and Hofer’s emergence has all but cemented his role. That makes Ellis expendable, and given the NHL’s roster crunch ahead of opening night, he’s likely to be placed on waivers. The question is whether the Oilers will seize this moment or watch another team scoop up a potential hidden gem.

From Edmonton’s standpoint, the situation is both intriguing and precarious. Calvin Pickard proved serviceable in relief of Stuart Skinner during the 2024-25 campaign and playoffs, but no one is confusing him with a long-term solution. Pickard is a journeyman, and while his effort and professionalism are appreciated, his ceiling is clear. Colten Ellis, on the other hand, is 23 years old, boasts stellar numbers at the AHL level, and comes with the kind of untapped potential that should make any forward-looking organization pay attention.

Critics may argue that betting on a goaltender who has yet to make his NHL debut is risky, especially for a team in win-now mode. But others see this as a calculated gamble worth taking. The Oilers have struggled for years to develop reliable goaltending internally. They’ve cycled through Mikko Koskinen, Mike Smith, Jack Campbell, and now Skinner, with varying degrees of success and disaster. If Ellis even marginally pans out, he offers a cost-effective and youthful alternative to the aging and expensive carousel of backups Edmonton has historically leaned on.

There’s also the narrative angle that can’t be ignored—Cape Breton’s Colten Ellis, quietly working his way through the minors, finally getting his shot in one of the most intense hockey markets in the league. It’s a storyline made for Canadian media, and one that could ignite fan support if he steps in and makes an impact. The flip side? If the Oilers pass on Ellis and he’s claimed elsewhere—say, by a Pacific Division rival—it could be a mistake that haunts them for years, especially if Skinner ever falters or suffers an injury.

Let’s not forget the psychological component either. Bringing in a young, hungry goaltender with something to prove could light a fire under Skinner, who now finds himself the unquestioned No. 1 after a rocky playoff that still leaves some fans uneasy. The internal competition would keep everyone honest and sharpen focus during the grueling regular season. And if Skinner remains elite, Ellis can develop in a low-pressure backup role, waiting for his opportunity.

Financially, Ellis is also a smart play. On an entry-level deal, he would carry a fraction of the cap hit compared to veteran backups. With the Oilers tight against the salary cap and needing every dollar to maximize their contending window, adding a potential NHL-caliber goaltender for league minimum via waivers is the kind of savvy move that can make or break a front office’s reputation.

So why is this controversial? Because it forces uncomfortable questions. Is Calvin Pickard really the best backup option for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations? Has the NHL collectively overlooked a potentially great goalie in Ellis due to organizational logjams and draft-day politics? Are the Oilers finally ready to break the cycle of mediocrity in net behind their starter—or will they play it safe and stick with what they know?

For Oilers fans, the name Colten Ellis might not ring many bells yet. But if the Oilers make the move and bring him in, expect that to change quickly. And if they don’t? Don’t be surprised when a viral clip surfaces of Ellis stonewalling McDavid on a breakaway wearing a Sharks or Flames jersey next spring. Edmonton has a decision to make—one that could go largely unnoticed by casual fans but could quietly alter the team’s season and possibly their postseason fate.

In the unforgiving world of NHL goaltending, it only takes one overlooked waiver claim to change the balance of power. Colten Ellis might just be that player. The Oilers now have a chance to find out if he’s the answer—or risk watching someone else find out for them.