The Edmonton Oilers goaltending has been up and down for the past few years, and now, it's clear that they're ready to overhaul the position in the summer.
Over the past few years, the Edmonton Oilers have tried many options in net, and while both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have been solid over the last 18 months, they're a major question mark for a team looking to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2025.
Unfortunately however, the inconsistency from Skinner, who is supposed to be the starter of this team has held them back, with Frank Seravalli noting this is what could hold him and the team back down the stretch.
I think it's the inconsistency that drives everyone mad I think what's really separating him from being in the upper echelon tier of NHL goalies is just that consistency night in and night out. Not everyone's going to have it every game. And when you're starting 53 games, you're going to have some stinkers, even the very best in the world But I think that's the part that everyone struggles with is the back and forth rollercoaster nature (of Skinner).
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer is adamant that he doesn't want the team to drive Skinner out of town, but in the summer, he expects them to make plays for several goaltenders.
I do expect Edmonton to engage in signing an organizational number three goalie that's played in the National Hockey League in the last couple of years. I could see that. I think that market will be there for Edmonton.
When asked whether he believes the Oilers will go for a 1B this off-season, whether that be via free agency or on the trade market, Stauffer confirms that would be the Oilers plan.
I know for a fact they're gonna do that.
Unfortunately, just like at the trade deadline, there won't be many big names out there, but if the Oilers can find a 1B and a third goaltender to push Skinner, it may be what turns things around in net, and if they can find that solution, they may be wasting the prime years of two of the NHL's biggest stars.
