NHL Insider Firmly Believes Connor McDavid’s Oilers’ Best Goaltending Addition Is Already Waiting in the AHL with Bakersfield Condors

The Edmonton Oilers may not need to scour the trade market or overpay in free agency to bolster their goaltending situation. According to a respected NHL insider, the solution could already be in their own backyard—developing quietly but confidently with their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.

In a recent segment on Hockey Central, veteran analyst and insider Elliotte Friedman expressed his belief that the Oilers’ most impactful addition to their goaltending room might be prospect Olivier Rodrigue, who has been turning heads with his performance in the American Hockey League.

“Rodrigue’s development has reached the point where Edmonton needs to seriously consider him as part of the NHL conversation,” Friedman said. “They’re looking for support behind Stuart Skinner, and the answer may already be in the system.”

This development comes at a critical juncture for the Oilers. With franchise center Connor McDavid entering what many believe is the prime of his career—and with the team’s Cup window wide open—any uncertainty in the crease could derail championship aspirations.

Let’s take a deep dive into why Rodrigue might be the answer, what this means for the Oilers’ current goaltending situation, and how it could shape the future of the franchise.

Goaltending: The One Area Edmonton Hasn’t Locked Down

The Oilers have arguably the best top-end talent in the NHL with McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a rapidly improving supporting cast that includes Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman. The forward group is lethal. The defense, once maligned, is maturing and adding depth. But goaltending remains the biggest variable.

Stuart Skinner has established himself as the starter after a strong showing over the past two seasons. His calm demeanor and athleticism have earned the trust of head coach Kris Knoblauch. But behind Skinner, the Oilers have struggled to find a reliable No. 2.

Jack Campbell was supposed to be that solution when he signed a five-year, $25 million deal in 2022, but inconsistent performances and a demotion to the AHL have cast doubt on his future in Edmonton. Calvin Pickard filled in admirably when called upon, but many around the league view him as a short-term plug rather than a long-term fix.

That brings us to Rodrigue.

Who Is Olivier Rodrigue?

Drafted 62nd overall by the Oilers in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Olivier Rodrigue was once considered among the top goaltending prospects in Canada. A product of the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs, Rodrigue was known for his strong positioning, quick reflexes, and cool demeanor under pressure.

After a few rocky years of development, Rodrigue has started to piece it all together in Bakersfield. The 2023–24 AHL season saw him post some of the best numbers of his professional career. He recorded a .918 save percentage with multiple standout performances, including shutouts and 35+ save nights.

More importantly, Rodrigue’s consistency, mental maturity, and confidence have caught the attention of both Edmonton’s front office and outside scouts.

“He’s dialed in,” one AHL scout said. “You can see the belief in his game now. He’s making the smart reads, staying calm in scrambles, and controlling rebounds.”

Insider Confidence Growing Around Rodrigue

Friedman’s comments weren’t made in isolation. Other insiders, including TSN’s Ryan Rishaug and Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, have echoed similar sentiments. The buzz around Rodrigue isn’t just hype—it’s based on a tangible shift in his game and his readiness for the NHL.

“He’s always had the tools,” Rishaug said. “Now the mental game has caught up. The Oilers have been waiting for this version of Rodrigue, and they might finally have it.”

General Manager Ken Holland has also been careful not to rush Rodrigue’s development. But the organization now finds itself in a situation where promoting Rodrigue might be more of a necessity than a luxury.

How Rodrigue Fits Into the Oilers’ Cup Window

Connor McDavid has made it clear—he wants to win now. His leadership has grown each season, and he’s doing everything in his power to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton. That urgency means the Oilers can’t afford weak links in key positions.

Goaltending has often been the difference between playoff success and disappointment for this team. In 2022 and 2023, the Oilers were ousted largely due to inconsistent netminding against high-powered offenses. Skinner has grown into the starting role, but he can’t shoulder the entire load.

Rodrigue’s emergence offers a compelling option for the Oilers: a young, hungry, cost-effective backup who could step into a larger role if needed. That’s the kind of depth championship teams need.

“He doesn’t need to be the savior,” Friedman said. “He just needs to give them competent, steady play when called upon. If he can do that, Edmonton becomes much more dangerous.”

AHL vs. NHL: What Rodrigue Still Needs to Prove

While the optimism is well-earned, making the jump from the AHL to the NHL is no small task. Rodrigue still has areas to polish—particularly his puck handling under pressure and adapting to the speed of NHL shooters.

He’s expected to be a full participant in Oilers training camp, where his performance could determine whether he starts the 2024–25 season in Edmonton or gets a few more months in Bakersfield.

The coaching staff has been impressed with his work ethic and progress, but they won’t rush the decision. Goalie coach Dustin Schwartz has been working closely with Rodrigue and believes his readiness depends more on mental preparation than skill.

“He’s got the toolkit,” Schwartz said. “The key is helping him feel like he belongs. That confidence is already starting to show.”

What This Means for Jack Campbell and Calvin Pickard

If Rodrigue is promoted to the NHL full-time, the Oilers will have decisions to make. Jack Campbell’s future remains murky. A buyout is possible, though it would carry a significant cap penalty. Retaining him as a third-string or AHL option seems unlikely given the organizational shift.

Calvin Pickard, meanwhile, has been dependable but doesn’t offer the long-term upside Rodrigue brings. At 32, Pickard is an ideal call-up or emergency option, but Edmonton may choose to use that roster spot to develop Rodrigue instead.

The Oilers have reached a point where betting on youth might be their best bet—especially when that youth is finally ready.

Rodrigue and Skinner: The Future Duo?

Imagine this: two homegrown goaltenders—Skinner from Edmonton and Rodrigue from Chicoutimi, Quebec—holding down the Oilers crease for years to come. It’s not a far-fetched scenario anymore.

Skinner and Rodrigue are already familiar with each other from training camps and AHL stints. Both are calm, technical goaltenders who rely on positioning and hockey IQ. Their complementary styles could create a tandem built on trust and balance.

From a cap perspective, it also makes sense. With Skinner signed through 2026 at just $2.6 million AAV and Rodrigue still on an entry-level deal, the Oilers could have quality goaltending for under $4 million—a luxury in the modern NHL.

Time will tell if Olivier Rodrigue becomes a full-time NHL goaltender, but all signs point to him being ready for his shot. His steady progression, strong AHL numbers, and mental maturity have positioned him to challenge for a roster spot—and possibly support Connor McDavid and company in their quest for a Stanley Cup.

If the Oilers choose to promote Rodrigue, it will mark a turning point in their goaltending philosophy: trusting in development, rewarding patience, and building from within.

And if the insiders are right, Edmonton fans could soon be watching the team’s best goaltending addition step onto NHL ice—not from a blockbuster trade, but from Bakersfield.

The solution might not be miles away—it might just be a short flight north, already wearing blue and orange beneath the Condors crest.