Oilers mailbag: Edmonton likely to ride with Skinner, no guaranteed better options out there

As the Edmonton Oilers march through another season in the NHL, one of the most pressing questions remains about the team’s goaltending situation. With Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner both vying for the role of the team’s No. 1 netminder, it’s clear that goaltending continues to be a concern for the Oilers as they look to make a deep run into the playoffs. While the Oilers have one of the most potent offenses in the league, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team has struggled with consistency in net, and many fans are wondering whether general manager Ken Holland will make a move before the trade deadline to shore up the goaltending position.

In the latest edition of our Oilers Mailbag, we take a deep dive into the Oilers’ goaltending situation and explore whether Edmonton will opt for external help or continue to ride with Stuart Skinner as their top goalie for the remainder of the season. We’ll also address the key issues surrounding this decision, the available options in the market, and what fans can realistically expect from the team’s netminding moving forward.

The Oilers’ Goaltending Landscape: A Tale of Two Goalies

Let’s start by examining the current state of the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending situation. Since the departure of Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen at the end of the 2021-2022 season, the Oilers have been left with Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner as their goaltending tandem. The hopes were high for Campbell after his strong performances with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but his first season in Edmonton has been a mixed bag. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, there have also been stretches of inconsistency that have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. His contract, which carries a $5 million cap hit for the next four seasons, further adds to the pressure on Campbell to deliver strong performances.

On the other hand, Stuart Skinner, a homegrown talent who spent much of his early career developing in the AHL, has impressed during his time as an NHL regular. The 24-year-old has shown poise beyond his years and earned the trust of the Oilers’ coaching staff. However, like any young goalie, Skinner has had his ups and downs. While he has been more consistent than Campbell at times, he’s still relatively untested in high-stakes playoff situations, which raises the question of whether he can carry the Oilers deep into the postseason.

Jack Campbell’s Struggles: Can He Regain His Form?

Campbell arrived in Edmonton with much fanfare after signing a five-year, $25 million contract during the 2022 offseason. His play in Toronto was outstanding, particularly in the 2021-2022 season, where he posted a career-high .914 save percentage (SV%) and 2.64 goals-against average (GAA). His success in the regular season, coupled with his strong performances in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, led many to believe he would be the answer to the Oilers’ goaltending woes.

However, Campbell’s first season in Edmonton was a rollercoaster. He posted a .888 SV% and a 3.41 GAA, and while he had some strong performances, he also struggled with consistency. His erratic play in key moments, particularly in high-leverage games, has led to questions about his ability to handle the pressure of being a starting goaltender in Edmonton.

Campbell’s issues can be attributed to a number of factors. The transition to a new system, adjusting to a new team, and dealing with the weight of a long-term contract can all weigh heavily on a goaltender. Additionally, there have been times when Campbell has been caught over-committing to shots or failing to track pucks effectively, leading to some soft goals.

Despite these struggles, it’s worth noting that Campbell has shown flashes of his former self. When he’s on his game, he can make highlight-reel saves and steal a win for the team. The question now is whether he can rediscover his form and become a reliable option for the Oilers as they head into the stretch run of the season.

Stuart Skinner: The Future of the Oilers’ Crease?

As Campbell has faltered, Stuart Skinner has stepped up as the Oilers’ most consistent goaltender. Skinner’s journey to the NHL hasn’t been a traditional one, as he spent several seasons in the AHL, working on his game before getting a full-time opportunity with the Oilers. His rise to the NHL has been a story of perseverance and development, and he has earned a spot as a key contributor for Edmonton.

In his first full season in the NHL, Skinner has posted a .915 SV% and a 2.79 GAA, solid numbers for a young goalie. He’s demonstrated good positioning, the ability to handle high-pressure situations, and the mental fortitude required to play in the league. While he’s still learning and growing, Skinner has shown he can be the kind of reliable presence that the Oilers need.

One of the most encouraging signs for the Oilers is Skinner’s ability to bounce back from difficult games. Unlike Campbell, who has struggled with consistency, Skinner has managed to maintain a level of stability in his game. As he gains more experience, there’s reason to believe he could continue to grow into the No. 1 role for Edmonton.

Oilers’ Mailbag Question: Should Edmonton Make a Trade for a Goaltender?

Now, let’s address the big question that’s on the minds of many Oilers fans: Should Edmonton make a trade for a goaltender, or should they continue with Skinner and Campbell as their tandem?

Is There a Better Option on the Market?

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Oilers have been linked to several potential goaltenders, with John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks being one of the most frequently mentioned names. Gibson, a seasoned goaltender with a solid track record, could provide an upgrade over Campbell. However, acquiring Gibson would come at a significant price, both in terms of assets and salary cap space. The Ducks are reportedly asking for a first-round pick and a top prospect in return for Gibson, which may be too high a price for the Oilers to pay, given their limited cap space and the fact that they already have Campbell under contract.

Other potential goaltending options include Marc-André Fleury of the Minnesota Wild or Semyon Varlamov of the New York Islanders, both of whom would bring experience and leadership to the Oilers’ crease. However, both players are aging, and there are concerns about their long-term effectiveness. Moreover, trading for an older goaltender could be risky, as the Oilers would need to rely on him for an extended period.

The reality is that while there are some interesting goaltending options on the market, none of them are guaranteed to be a better solution than what the Oilers already have in Skinner and Campbell. Gibson could provide an upgrade, but at what cost? Fleury and Varlamov would add experience, but they may not be the long-term solution the Oilers are seeking.

Why the Oilers May Stick with Skinner and Campbell

In light of the available options on the market, it seems more likely that the Oilers will ride with Skinner as their primary goaltender moving forward. Skinner’s development and the potential for continued improvement make him a solid option, especially given his familiarity with the team and the coaching staff. While Campbell’s inconsistency has been a concern, the Oilers may decide to stick with him as a backup and hope that he can regain his form as the season progresses.

The Oilers have one of the best offenses in the league, and if they can get consistent goaltending from Skinner, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run. While there may be other options available on the trade market, there’s no guarantee that a trade for a goaltender will solve all the team’s problems. The risk of overpaying for a goalie who may not be an immediate upgrade could outweigh the benefits, and the Oilers may be better off focusing on improving their defense and maintaining their offensive production.

What’s Next for the Oilers?

As the deadline approaches, the Oilers will likely continue to monitor the goaltending market, but the more realistic outcome seems to be a continued reliance on Stuart Skinner. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way offensively, the Oilers will need solid goaltending to complement their high-powered attack. Skinner’s growth and Campbell’s potential to bounce back provide hope that the team can contend without making a major move in net.

Ultimately, the Oilers’ future success will hinge on their ability to maintain balance in goal while continuing to play the style of hockey that has made them one of the league’s most exciting teams. Whether or not they make a move for a goaltender remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the foundation of their success lies in the hands of Stuart Skinner and the Oilers’ ability to continue to evolve as a team.