The Edmonton Oilers continue to struggle with their goaltending as the new season unfolds. Questions about their netminders have quickly resurfaced after another sluggish start in Alberta’s capital.
Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard make up the current goaltending tandem, but both have faced challenges. Skinner has been inconsistent, while Pickard's statistics rank among the worst in the league during the first month. This persists despite the addition of a new goalie coach, Peter Aubry, brought in over the summer to help address these issues.
While goaltending isn't the only problem facing the team, it remains a key concern. After 14 games this season, only four featured a save percentage above .900 by either goalie.
The possibility of trading Skinner has emerged as a solution to upgrade the position. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug commented on 880 CHED that the Oilers would not hesitate to trade Skinner if it means improving their goaltending.
“If a deal comes up that allows Stan Bowman to make a trade tomorrow that he knows in his gut is an upgrade in net and it involves moving on from Stuart Skinner, it’s done. I don’t think that deal is gonna happen, I don’t think that deal is there to be had.”
The Edmonton Oilers face ongoing goaltending struggles, and while trading Stuart Skinner is considered, no suitable deal is currently available to enhance the team’s netminding.
The Oilers’ quest to resolve goaltending issues highlights the challenges of balancing potential with performance amid team pressure.