Before the NHL trade deadline, do the Edmonton Oilers need a new top goalie? “The Athletic”

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are positioned as one of the league’s top teams, boasting one of the most potent offensive forces in the league, led by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Their up-tempo style of play has propelled them to the forefront of Western Conference contenders, but as the season nears its critical juncture, one lingering question remains: Is goaltending their biggest hurdle in a potential championship run?

Goaltending is often the most talked-about aspect of a team’s success or failure in the postseason. The Oilers have long been searching for a reliable netminder who can hold the fort when the games matter most. Although Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have both shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been elusive. The recent struggles in net have raised concerns that the Oilers may need to make a move ahead of the trade deadline to solidify their goaltending situation for a deep playoff push.

As the trade deadline looms, let’s take a closer look at the state of the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending, assess whether they need to acquire a new top goalie, and explore potential trade options for general manager Ken Holland to consider.

The Current Goaltending Situation

At the heart of Edmonton’s goaltending situation are Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner. Both have been tasked with being the Oilers’ primary netminders this season, with Campbell coming in as a high-profile free-agent acquisition and Skinner as a developing, homegrown talent. While neither has been outright bad, neither has been able to seize the starting role with any real conviction.

Jack Campbell’s Performance

Jack Campbell entered the 2022 offseason as one of the top available goaltenders on the market, signing a five-year, $25 million contract with the Oilers after a strong season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His numbers in Toronto were solid, with a .914 save percentage and 2.64 goals-against average (GAA). Campbell was expected to be the stabilizing force that the Oilers desperately needed after a season of inconsistent goaltending in 2021-2022.

However, Campbell’s play this season has been a mixed bag. While he has shown flashes of the goaltender who helped lead the Leafs to the playoffs, his play has been marred by inconsistency. There have been games where Campbell has looked great, making timely saves and keeping the team in it. Unfortunately, those performances have often been followed by poor outings, where he struggles to make routine saves and seems out of position on high-danger chances.

As of the trade deadline, Campbell’s numbers— a .887 save percentage and 3.43 GAA— are concerning, especially for a team with championship aspirations. He has also battled with confidence, often lacking the consistency expected of a starting goaltender on a Stanley Cup contender. There are times when Campbell is too aggressive, leading to rebound opportunities and quick goals against. With such a talented roster in front of him, the Oilers cannot afford to have their goaltender struggle to keep them in games.

Stuart Skinner’s Performance

On the other hand, Stuart Skinner has shown potential in his young career. The 24-year-old has been a bright spot for the Oilers, outperforming expectations given his lack of experience. Skinner has posted a .913 save percentage and a 2.83 GAA, both of which are solid marks for a goaltender in his first full season as a starter in the NHL. His calm demeanor in the crease and ability to make key saves have earned him the trust of head coach Jay Woodcroft.

Despite these positive signs, Skinner’s play has been a roller coaster at times, which is not uncommon for a young goaltender. He has had stretches of solid play but has also shown his inexperience in high-pressure moments. In particular, his performance in the postseason remains unproven, and the question of whether he can be relied upon for a deep playoff run remains.

Why the Oilers Might Need a New Top Goalie

As the Oilers head into the final stretch of the season, their goaltending situation is still a concern. While both Campbell and Skinner have had their moments, neither has shown the kind of elite consistency needed to carry a team through the rigors of the postseason. The Oilers’ championship window is wide open, but it won’t stay open forever. With an offense led by the two best players in the world, McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers’ most significant obstacle may very well be their goaltending.

There are several key reasons why the Oilers should consider acquiring a new top goalie ahead of the trade deadline:

1. Playoff Performance

The NHL playoffs are an entirely different animal compared to the regular season. Teams often have to grind through low-scoring, tight-checking games, and the goaltender becomes the most important player on the ice. Look no further than the most recent Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, who had Darcy Kuemper playing an instrumental role in their postseason success. The Oilers cannot afford to head into the playoffs with a goaltender who is struggling with consistency.

Campbell, despite his talent, has yet to prove that he can handle the pressure of playoff hockey. His performances in previous postseasons with Toronto left much to be desired, and the Oilers will want to ensure they have a netminder they can rely on if they make a deep run. Skinner, too, is untested in the postseason, and while his upside is promising, the Oilers cannot afford to risk entering the playoffs without a proven commodity in net.

2. Inconsistent Goaltending Play

The NHL regular season is a grind, and while both Campbell and Skinner have shown they can be effective in stretches, their overall inconsistency is a problem. The Oilers’ goaltending situation is one of the few weak links on an otherwise well-rounded team. In a high-pressure environment like the playoffs, having an unreliable goaltender could derail the Oilers’ chances at a Cup. Their offense can only do so much, and the defense, while improved this season, still has its moments of vulnerability. To truly contend for a championship, the Oilers need a steady, top-tier goaltender who can withstand the highs and lows of a long playoff run.

3. Championship Window

As mentioned earlier, the Oilers are currently in the midst of a championship window with McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime. However, the window won’t remain open forever. Both stars are locked in long-term, but their peak years are finite, and the Oilers need to capitalize on this window while they have it. Adding a proven, elite goaltender could be the final piece of the puzzle for a team that has the offensive firepower and defensive capability to contend for a Stanley Cup. It’s clear that the Oilers’ success in the playoffs hinges on the ability to get elite goaltending, and now is the time to make that move before the deadline.

Potential Goalie Trade Targets for the Oilers

With the trade deadline approaching, there are several potential trade targets that the Oilers could pursue to improve their goaltending situation. Here are a few options:

1. John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks)

One of the most intriguing trade candidates is John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson has been the face of the Ducks’ franchise for years but has recently struggled with his consistency. Despite his team’s struggles, Gibson remains one of the most talented goaltenders in the league, with a career .914 save percentage. He has playoff experience and could be the stabilizing presence the Oilers need.

The Ducks are in full rebuild mode, making Gibson a potential trade candidate. The Oilers could offer a package of young assets and draft picks in exchange for Gibson, who could thrive behind a much stronger defensive unit in Edmonton. Gibson’s ability to steal games would be invaluable in the postseason.

2. Marc-André Fleury (Minnesota Wild)

Marc-André Fleury, a veteran Stanley Cup winner, is another player the Oilers should consider. While Fleury has had a down season with the Minnesota Wild, his playoff pedigree is undeniable. Fleury has been one of the best goaltenders of his era and could bring the experience and leadership the Oilers need heading into the postseason. A potential trade for Fleury would come at a cost, but the Oilers have the assets to make it work.

3. Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets has been one of the best goaltenders in the league for several seasons. Hellebuyck is a proven workhorse and has carried the Jets on his back during playoff runs. While the Jets may not be actively shopping Hellebuyck, the Oilers should certainly explore the possibility of acquiring him. Hellebuyck would immediately upgrade the Oilers’ goaltending and could provide the stability they need to make a deep playoff run.

Conclusion

The Edmonton Oilers have a championship-caliber roster with elite players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but their goaltending remains a question mark heading into the trade deadline. Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have shown moments of brilliance, but consistency has been lacking, and with the playoffs on the horizon, the Oilers need a proven goaltender who can elevate their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

It’s clear that the Oilers should be active on the trade market, looking to add a top goalie who can handle the pressure of playoff hockey. With the right goaltender in place, the Oilers could be poised to make a serious run at the Cup. The trade deadline will be a critical point in determining whether Edmonton’s goaltending will be a strength or a liability in the postseason.