The Edmonton Oilers are dealing with an EBUG situation as Stuart Skinner won’t be in the goal for the team on Monday night as they take on the Seattle Kraken. He won’t be backing up Calvin Pickard, either. Skinner took some time away to be with his wife while she gave birth to a baby boy.
The Oilers shared the great news about Stuart and Chloe Skinner having a baby on Monday. To play as a backup while Skinner suits up to be a father instead of an NHLer will be Tyler Palmer. Palmer is an amateur deal for the game and until the Oilers can make other moves to cover for Skinner while he’s away.
Palmer is a member of the University of Alberta Golden Bears. He has played 15 games for the Bears with a .912 save percentage, and he previously played in the WHL from 2021-2024.
Pickard Will Need to Be On So Oilers Can Keep EBUG on the Bench
As capable as Palmer might be, the Oilers don’t want to have to call on him unless they’ve got such a solid lead in the third period that they can give him a shift or two. If Edmonton needs to put him in because Pickard is struggling or due to an injury, it will be a long night. It will be up to the Oilers to help.
Not only will Edmonton need to provide run support with some early goals, but they’ll need to shut it down defensively. Pickar has been more than solid this season. He’s 12-4 on the season with a .250 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage.
