‘I know for a fact they’re gonna do that’: Edmonton Oilers to tackle goalie issue, insider says

The Edmonton Oilers are an organization on the rise, consistently in the conversation for Stanley Cup contention thanks to a roster loaded with offensive firepower, including superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, despite their offensive brilliance, one key area has continually plagued the Oilers’ chances of achieving ultimate success: their goaltending.

For years, the Oilers have struggled to find a reliable goaltender who can stand on his head in crucial moments. While McDavid and Draisaitl often make up for defensive and goaltending deficiencies with their incredible play, the team has been stymied in the postseason, often falling short of expectations due to inconsistent goaltending performances. It’s an issue that’s been persistent, and for the Oilers, it’s become a matter of urgency—especially as they look to make a deep Stanley Cup run in the near future.

But, according to insider sources, the Oilers are set to tackle their goalie issue head-on. “I know for a fact they’re gonna do that,” says an insider with close ties to the organization. This comment reflects the growing belief that general manager Ken Holland and the Oilers’ management are actively seeking solutions to the goaltending puzzle—solutions that could propel the team to the next level.

As the Oilers gear up for another stretch run toward the postseason, this article will explore the current state of their goaltending situation, why it’s been a consistent issue, and what steps the organization is likely to take in addressing the matter.

The Goaltending Conundrum: Past Struggles

Over the past few seasons, the Oilers have made several attempts to solve their goaltending woes, yet they have been unable to find a long-term answer. At the core of the issue has been inconsistency and, at times, a lack of confidence in their netminders when the stakes are the highest.

For the better part of the past decade, Cam Talbot served as a primary figure between the pipes for the Oilers. Talbot had a solid run with the team, especially during the 2016-17 season when the Oilers made a playoff appearance, but his play eventually dipped, and Edmonton moved on from him. In the years that followed, the team cycled through several goaltenders, with Mikko Koskinen, Mike Smith, and Stuart Skinner taking turns as the starter.

Koskinen, with his large frame and solid skills, was a part of the team for several years but never fully cemented himself as a reliable option, often prone to stretches of poor play or untimely mistakes. Mike Smith, who was acquired in a trade, played a major role for the Oilers but faced his own struggles with injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite being a veteran, Smith’s age began to show, and his inconsistent performances in the postseason were highlighted during critical moments.

More recently, Stuart Skinner, a homegrown talent and young goaltender, has emerged as a potential answer for the Oilers. Skinner showed promise during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, providing some stability in the crease. His calm demeanor and ability to stop pucks in high-pressure moments earned him recognition as a reliable netminder, but like his predecessors, Skinner still has yet to prove himself as a true No. 1 goaltender capable of carrying the team through a deep playoff run.

While Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance, he is still in the developmental stages of his career. He has had ups and downs, and like many young goalies, consistency has been an issue. This inconsistency has led to speculation that the Oilers may need to find a more experienced, proven goaltender to help stabilize the position.

Why the Goalie Issue Matters for the Oilers

The goaltending issue isn’t simply a minor concern for the Oilers; it is a significant barrier that stands between the team and championship contention. Despite having one of the most potent offenses in the league—led by McDavid, Draisaitl, and a supporting cast that includes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, and others—the Oilers have consistently fallen short in the postseason, and much of this can be attributed to shaky goaltending.

In recent playoff runs, including the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, the Oilers’ offense has more than held up its end of the bargain, but their goaltending has often been their Achilles’ heel. In the 2022 postseason, the Oilers made it to the Western Conference Final but were eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche, who ultimately went on to win the Stanley Cup. In the series, goaltending was a major issue, with the Oilers allowing soft goals at inopportune times and failing to make key stops when they were needed most.

In 2023, similar struggles arose, as the Oilers were eliminated in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights. Though their offense produced, they were undone by a lack of reliability in net. Opponents knew that if they could pressure the Oilers’ goaltenders enough, there was a good chance they would crack under the pressure.

It’s clear that to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup, the Oilers need a goaltender who can provide consistent, top-tier performances in the postseason. They need someone who can steal games when necessary and be relied upon to make big saves in key moments. Simply put, they need a No. 1 goaltender who can go toe-to-toe with the best in the league.

The Oilers’ Goaltending Market Strategy

According to the insider who spoke about the Oilers’ goaltending plans, the team is actively exploring avenues to address the position, and it’s clear that management recognizes the urgency of the situation. “I know for a fact they’re gonna do that,” the insider said, confirming that the team is committed to improving their goaltending heading into the stretch run of the season and beyond.

The Oilers have several options to consider when looking to bolster their goaltending depth:

1. Trade for a Proven Goalie: One of the most obvious routes for the Oilers to address their goaltending issue is to make a trade for a proven, veteran netminder. With teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, and Columbus Blue Jackets in various stages of rebuilding, there may be opportunities to acquire an established goaltender who can provide the stability the Oilers desperately need.

   The most talked-about name in trade rumors has been Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Hellebuyck, one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, would undoubtedly provide a massive upgrade over the current tandem. He has the experience, the track record, and the ability to handle the pressure of high-stakes playoff games. While the price for a goalie of Hellebuyck’s caliber would be high, especially given his status as an elite goaltender, the Oilers may feel that the cost is worth it to finally fix their goaltending woes.

   Another option could be Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, who has long been one of the more underrated goaltenders in the league. Saros is known for his consistency and ability to perform in big moments, making him another potential target for the Oilers if Nashville chooses to move him.

2. Free Agency or Offseason Acquisition: If the Oilers aren’t able to acquire a top-tier goalie before the trade deadline, they could look to the offseason to secure a reliable goaltender. While there are no surefire candidates hitting the market, some names like Frederik Andersen or James Reimer could provide short-term stability. However, these options would likely only be stopgap solutions, as the Oilers would still need to find a long-term solution at the position.
3. Stuart Skinner’s Development: Another possibility is that the Oilers continue to invest in Stuart Skinner’s development and hope he can become the goaltender they need. While Skinner has shown promise, his consistency and ability to handle the pressure of the postseason are still concerns. The Oilers could choose to ride with Skinner for the remainder of the season, hoping he matures into the type of player who can deliver in the playoffs. However, this is a risky option given the team’s win-now mentality.
4. A Tandem Approach: If the Oilers feel that Skinner is still developing but isn’t ready for the No. 1 job, they may decide to pursue a veteran goaltender to complement him in a tandem role. This strategy would allow the team to ease Skinner into the primary role while benefiting from the experience and stability that a veteran netminder would bring.

The Playoff Implications of a Goaltending Solution

If the Oilers can successfully address their goaltending issue before the postseason, the impact could be enormous. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way offensively, the Oilers have one of the most dangerous attacks in the league. If they can finally find the right balance in net, they could become one of the most well-rounded teams in the NHL, capable of going toe-to-toe with any contender.

A stable goaltending situation would allow the Oilers to rely on their offensive weapons without worrying about whether their goaltenders will falter in critical moments. It would allow them to play with confidence and take their game to the next level.