Goaltending Issues for the Edmonton Oilers: Why Stan Bowman Isn’t Taking Action
As the 2025 NHL season progresses, the Edmonton Oilers have been plagued by a long-standing issue—goaltending. With high expectations set for the team after a strong 2024 campaign, the Oilers’ inability to find consistent play between the pipes has quickly become one of the most glaring weaknesses. Despite the team’s elite offensive players, particularly Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, leading the charge offensively, the goaltending has consistently let them down.
In the midst of this struggle, general manager Stan Bowman has come under fire for his lack of decisive action to address the goaltending issue. For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, the goaltending situation has been nothing short of a dilemma, and questions abound about why Bowman hasn’t done more to resolve the problem. This article will take a deep dive into the Oilers’ goaltending issues, the performance of their current netminders, and why Bowman seems hesitant to make a move that could improve the team’s chances for success.
The Goaltending Woes: What Went Wrong for Edmonton
As the Oilers entered the 2025 season, their goaltending duo of Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner seemed like a reasonable pairing, offering potential for solid play in the crease. Campbell, a veteran who had been acquired the previous year, came with a pedigree of success with the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Skinner, a promising young goaltender, had impressed in limited appearances. However, what transpired in the early months of the season was far from what the Oilers had envisioned.
Jack Campbell, who was supposed to be the stabilizing force in net, struggled with consistency right from the start. His numbers, including a save percentage well below league average, raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike. Campbell’s struggles were particularly glaring in high-pressure situations, where he often allowed soft goals that shifted the momentum in games. His lack of ability to steal games for the Oilers left many wondering if he was the answer to their goaltending needs.
On the other hand, Stuart Skinner, while showing flashes of brilliance, also had his fair share of growing pains. Skinner is undoubtedly talented, but the inconsistency in his game was apparent. At times, he looked like a future No. 1 goalie, making spectacular saves and keeping his team in games. However, at other times, Skinner’s lack of experience showed, and he was prone to letting in goals that seemed uncharacteristic of an NHL-level netminder.
Together, these two goaltenders have failed to provide the type of stability and reliability that the Oilers need to succeed in the high-stakes world of the NHL playoffs. While the Oilers’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, their goaltending issues have prevented them from being the complete team necessary to compete for a championship.
Why Stan Bowman Hasn’t Taken Action
Despite the growing concerns surrounding the goaltending situation in Edmonton, general manager Stan Bowman has not made any major moves to address the issue. This inaction has raised eyebrows across the league, with some wondering why Bowman hasn’t pursued a trade for a more reliable goaltender or signed a veteran to stabilize the position. There are a few possible explanations for Bowman’s hesitancy.
- Salary Cap Constraints and Long-Term Commitments
One of the primary reasons Bowman has been hesitant to make a major move in net is the salary cap. The Oilers are already locked into long-term contracts with high-paid players such as McDavid, Draisaitl, and defenseman Darnell Nurse, leaving the team with limited flexibility to add salary. Both Campbell and Skinner are under contract for the foreseeable future, with Campbell’s deal being particularly challenging due to its hefty cap hit.
Bowman’s hands are tied financially, as trading for a high-priced goaltender or signing a free agent with significant salary demands would further stretch the team’s cap situation. As a result, Bowman may be reluctant to make a move that could jeopardize the team’s future financial flexibility, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Campbell’s and Skinner’s play.
- The “Commitment to Development” Philosophy
Another factor influencing Bowman’s decision-making is the team’s commitment to developing young talent. While the goaltending situation has been suboptimal, Skinner’s potential as a future starting goalie remains a key focus for the organization. Bowman has often expressed a belief in developing players internally and giving them opportunities to grow into their roles, rather than relying on external acquisitions.
The Oilers’ front office likely views Skinner as a player with significant upside, and Bowman may feel that the team needs to remain patient with him, allowing him to work through the growing pains rather than bringing in an outside replacement. With Skinner still developing, Bowman may believe that any trade for a veteran goalie could be a short-term fix that would ultimately hinder the long-term development of the young netminder.
- High Expectations for Campbell’s Turnaround
When the Oilers signed Jack Campbell to a significant contract, they were betting that he could provide a steady presence in net. The organization might still believe in Campbell’s potential to turn things around, and this could be why Bowman hasn’t made a change. In his time with Toronto, Campbell showed flashes of being a starting-caliber goalie, and the Oilers may still be holding onto the hope that he can rediscover that form.
Campbell’s struggles have been well-documented, but the Oilers could be waiting for him to get hot and finally settle into the role they envisioned when they signed him. The team may not want to give up on him prematurely, especially given the financial commitment they’ve made. As a result, Bowman might be hesitant to pull the trigger on a trade or signing until he is certain that Campbell’s struggles are not just a temporary slump.
- Lack of Suitable Trade Targets
Another factor that could explain Bowman’s inaction is the lack of viable trade targets available on the market. At the time of writing, there are few goaltenders who are both available and capable of significantly improving the Oilers’ situation. Many of the top goalies are either locked into long-term contracts with their current teams or are performing at a level that is comparable to what the Oilers already have in Campbell and Skinner.
Bowman may be unwilling to make a trade that does not significantly improve the team’s goaltending situation, knowing that it could be a lateral move at best. If a true No. 1 goalie were to become available, it’s possible that Bowman would make a move. But until then, he may be holding out for the right opportunity.
What Needs to Change Moving Forward?
The Oilers are currently in a precarious situation, and their goaltending woes could prevent them from making a serious playoff run. While McDavid and Draisaitl have the ability to carry the offense, the team needs reliable goaltending to make a deep playoff push. The current situation is untenable, and action needs to be taken.
Stan Bowman must consider the long-term consequences of his inaction. While waiting for Campbell to turn things around and allowing Skinner to develop may seem like the right move in theory, the pressure to win now is enormous. If the Oilers fail to address the goaltending issue and fall short of expectations, Bowman’s job could be on the line.
The time has come for the Oilers to make a move in net, whether that means acquiring a veteran goalie to stabilize the position or taking a chance on a trade for a proven starter. The current goaltending tandem of Campbell and Skinner may not be enough to compete with the league’s elite teams, and the Oilers must act before it’s too late.
