Will the Edmonton Oilers trade Stuart Skinner to upgrade their goaltending?
The Edmonton Oilers seem increasingly frustrated with their inconsistent goaltending and may consider trading Stuart Skinner to strengthen their position in net. The team’s long-standing struggles between the pipes have persisted into the new season, and the lack of stability continues to raise concerns.
This season marks another disappointing start for Edmonton, as goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have both failed to deliver steady performances. Skinner has battled inconsistency, while Pickard’s early-season numbers rank among the league’s lowest. Even after hiring a new goalie coach, Peter Aubry, over the summer, improvement remains elusive.
Through 14 games, only four have seen an Oilers goaltender post a save percentage over .900, illustrating the depth of the issue. While goaltending isn’t the team’s sole problem, it continues to be one of the most pressing.
There’s growing speculation that a trade could help turn things around. According to TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug, management could be open to moving Skinner if a better option arises.
“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.”
With no clear improvement available on the market, the Oilers may have to ride out their current tandem a while longer, hoping for more consistent performances as the season progresses.
Author’s Summary
The Edmonton Oilers are considering trading Stuart Skinner as frustration mounts over continued goaltending struggles, though a viable upgrade has yet to appear.