The Edmonton Oilers' early-season struggles have sparked intense scrutiny of nearly every aspect of the team, but perhaps no position has been debated more heatedly than goaltending. While the team made what some consider a "panic" move by acquiring goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth in October, the focus remains on Stuart Skinner and whether he is the long-term answer in net. Despite inconsistent play, Skinner deserves more time to prove himself as the Oilers' number one goalie.
Skinner's statistics this season reflect a mixed bag. In 10 appearances, he holds a 4-3-3 record with a .899 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average. While these numbers aren't stellar, they are also not disastrous, especially when considering the team's defensive struggles. In fact, Skinner's numbers are better than backup Calvin Pickard, who has an .850 save percentage and a 3.42 goals-against average in his limited appearances. The Oilers also brought in Connor Ingram to address the goaltending issues; however, he has not performed well in the AHL, with a 4.05 goals-against average and an .848 save percentage.
One of the primary arguments for sticking with Skinner is his age and experience. At 27 years old, he is still developing and learning. He has already gained valuable experience by leading the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final in the 2024-2025 season. Furthermore, Skinner has a manageable $2.6 million cap hit, which provides the Oilers with financial flexibility.
Trading Skinner might expose the Oilers' desperation and lead to unfavorable negotiations. Other teams could capitalize on Edmonton's need for goaltending, potentially extracting a high price for a replacement. As former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton pointed out, "If you go looking to trade Stuart Skinner, I feel like it immediately shows your weakness in the trade market where teams are going to take advantage of you because they know that you are the team in need of a goalie".
Of course, Skinner is not without his flaws. He has struggled with consistency, often following up strong performances with shaky outings. He has also had difficulty with high-danger shots, as his save percentage in that area was .806% last season, below the league average. However, it's important to remember that Skinner is still relatively young and can improve in these areas with time and coaching.
Ultimately, the Oilers' success hinges on more than just goaltending. The team needs to improve its defense, generate more offense at five-on-five, and find a way to close out games. As Connor McDavid stated, "We haven't found a way to close them out, and that's an area we've got to clean up". While goaltending is undoubtedly a crucial piece of the puzzle, it is not the only one.
While some insiders have suggested that the Oilers should consider trading for a "superstar goaltender" like Juuse Saros, such a move may not be realistic or necessary. Saros is in the first year of an eight-year, $7.74 million-per-season extension, and the Predators may not be willing to trade him unless they are in a complete rebuild. Moreover, acquiring Saros would likely require the Oilers to give up significant assets, which could weaken the team in other areas.
Instead of making a drastic move, the Oilers should remain patient with Skinner and provide him with the support he needs to succeed. He has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to be a reliable starting goaltender. With improved team defense and continued development, Skinner can solidify his position as the Oilers' long-term solution in net.
