‘I don’t foresee the Edmonton Oilers making a move for a goaltender’: Insider says

The Edmonton Oilers are currently in the midst of another promising season, with their sights set firmly on a deep Stanley Cup playoff run. With the presence of two of the NHL’s best players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, alongside a high-powered offensive unit, the Oilers have the potential to be serious contenders in the Western Conference. However, despite their offensive prowess, one area of concern that has persisted for several seasons is their goaltending situation.

Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ current starting goalie, has shown flashes of brilliance, but there have also been moments of inconsistency. Backup Jack Campbell has had an even more up-and-down season, contributing to the uncertainty in Edmonton’s crease. While many have speculated that the Oilers could make a trade for a high-profile goaltender to solidify their Stanley Cup aspirations, an insider recently shed some light on the team’s stance. According to the source, “I don’t foresee the Edmonton Oilers making a move for a goaltender” before the deadline or at any point in the near future.

This statement has left many wondering if the Oilers’ front office is willing to trust their current goaltenders for the long haul, or if they believe in the team’s ability to make do with their current tandem. In this article, we’ll explore the dynamics of the Oilers’ goaltending situation, the reasoning behind this insider’s prediction, and what the future might hold for Edmonton’s crease.

The Current Goaltending Tandem: Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell

At the heart of the debate is the Oilers’ goaltending duo: Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell. Both have had their fair share of successes and struggles this season, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Edmonton’s netminding situation.

Stuart Skinner: The Growing Starter

Stuart Skinner, a former fourth-round pick of the Oilers, has emerged as the team’s number one goaltender over the past couple of seasons. After a strong performance in the 2022-2023 NHL playoffs, Skinner earned a more significant role this season and has generally delivered solid performances. Through the ups and downs, Skinner has shown that he has the potential to be a capable starting goaltender for a team with Cup aspirations.

However, his play has been marked by inconsistency at times. While he has had brilliant stretches, he’s also had games where he looked vulnerable, particularly in high-pressure moments. Skinner’s GAA (Goals Against Average) and save percentage have fluctuated, making it difficult for the Oilers to always rely on him to steal games. This inconsistency has led many to question whether he is truly the long-term solution in net for Edmonton, especially when the team is contending for a championship.

One of the most notable areas where Skinner has struggled is in high-danger situations. Although his overall numbers might look solid, there have been instances when he has failed to make the big save in tight games, particularly in close playoff-like matchups. This has raised concerns about whether he can carry the team deep into the postseason, especially given the challenges the Oilers have faced defensively in recent years.

That said, Skinner has shown the potential to grow into the role. As a relatively young goaltender, there’s still room for improvement in his game. And his performance during the regular season could be enough for the Oilers’ front office to remain patient with him.

Jack Campbell: The Backup Who Can’t Seem to Find His Form

On the other hand, Jack Campbell has been a much more polarizing figure in Edmonton. The Oilers signed Campbell to a five-year, $25 million contract in the summer of 2022, with hopes that he would stabilize the goaltending situation after years of inconsistency in the crease. However, the 31-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations since joining Edmonton.

Campbell has faced criticism for his lack of consistency, particularly in back-to-back games and in high-pressure moments. His play has been riddled with glaring mistakes and stretches of poor performance, leading to many questioning whether he’s the right fit for the Oilers as a backup goaltender. His save percentage and goals-against average have dipped, making it difficult for him to lock down a steady role on the team.

Although Campbell has occasionally shown flashes of brilliance, he has largely failed to establish any semblance of consistency. His struggles have led many fans and analysts to wonder whether the Oilers should explore the trade market for a more reliable goaltender who could be an upgrade for the team as they aim for a deep playoff run.

Why an Insider Doesn’t See a Move for a Goaltender

Given the struggles of both goaltenders, the question remains: why doesn’t the insider foresee the Oilers making a move for a goaltender? There are several key reasons why Edmonton may not be pursuing a goaltending change, at least for the immediate future.

Belief in Skinner’s Potential

The Oilers’ front office may genuinely believe in Stuart Skinner’s potential as the team’s number one goaltender. While he has had some inconsistencies, he has also shown the ability to get hot and deliver in big moments. His overall body of work, especially over the past couple of years, could be enough for the team to feel comfortable sticking with him as their starter.

Furthermore, Skinner is still relatively young and could develop into a more reliable netminder as he gains experience. The team may believe that patience is key with Skinner, particularly given his strong performances in certain stretches of the season.

Cap Space and Financial Constraints

One of the most significant factors that could deter the Oilers from pursuing a goaltender trade is their cap space. With McDavid and Draisaitl occupying massive cap hits, the Oilers are limited in the amount of cap space they have available to make significant moves. Trading for a goaltender, especially one of high quality, would likely require taking on significant salary, which could push the team further into cap trouble.

With their current roster and cap structure, the Oilers would likely have to get creative if they wanted to bring in a new goaltender, and the reality is that they may not be able to make a move without sacrificing another important piece of their team. As a result, Edmonton may be willing to take a wait-and-see approach with Skinner and Campbell, hoping they can find the consistency they need without making a drastic move.

No Clear Upgrade on the Market

Another reason why the Oilers may not pursue a goaltending move is that there may not be a clear upgrade on the market. While there are always goaltenders available at the trade deadline, the Oilers may feel that none of the options available offer a significant improvement over what they currently have.

Top-tier goaltenders typically don’t become available midseason unless a team is completely out of contention, and even then, it’s a matter of finding the right deal. Additionally, the Oilers may not want to mortgage their future for a temporary fix in net, especially if the available goaltenders aren’t considered a major upgrade over what Skinner can bring.

Team Defense Improvement Over Time

A final reason why the Oilers may not make a goaltender move is the hope that their defensive play will improve over time. In recent years, the Oilers have struggled defensively, which has put added pressure on their goaltenders. If the team can improve its overall defensive structure and become more consistent in terms of team defense, the burden on their goaltenders could be alleviated.

If the Oilers can shore up their defense, they may feel that Skinner and Campbell, with their skill sets, will be sufficient to carry the team forward. The addition of veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm has already started to help in this regard, but there’s optimism that the defense will continue to improve as the season progresses.

What’s Next for the Edmonton Oilers’ Goaltending Situation?

While the insider’s prediction that the Oilers will not make a move for a goaltender may seem like a bold statement, it makes sense in the context of the team’s cap situation, current personnel, and long-term vision. Despite the struggles of both Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell, there is still a belief within the organization that the goaltending situation can be worked out without an external acquisition.

With a playoff spot still firmly within reach, the Oilers will likely focus on improving team defense and allowing their goaltenders to grow into their roles. If Skinner can stabilize his play, and if Campbell can provide competent backup minutes, Edmonton could ride out the season with their current tandem. However, if the situation continues to be problematic, it’s possible the front office could look for a solution, but for now, it seems unlikely that a move for a goaltender will be made.

For Oilers fans, this means patience is key. As much as the team has the offensive firepower to win games, the goaltending question will continue to be a major factor in determining their success. Whether Skinner and Campbell can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but for now, Edmonton seems to be betting on their development rather than pulling the trigger on a goaltending trade.