The Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending performance has been a hot topic of discussion, and it appears the team is banking on its current duo for the upcoming season. Last year, the Oilers’ goalies ranked eighth in save percentage among the 16 playoff teams and 19th during the regular season. Despite these middling numbers, the organization seems set to start the season with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard between the pipes. But is this the right call for a team with championship aspirations?
The core of the debate centers on Stuart Skinner. While acknowledged as a “tremendous human being, individual, and teammate,” the question remains whether he can provide the consistent, high-level performance needed. To reach a respectable .902 save percentage, which is often seen as the minimum for a consistent NHL-caliber goalie, Skinner would need to make just 10 more saves over a 50-start season. The Oilers don’t necessarily need stellar, all-star goaltending thanks to their offensive firepower. What they desperately need is a goalie who makes the crucial saves when it matters most. This will be Skinner’s challenge, night in and night out.
Can the Oilers Keep Superstar Connor McDavid Happy?
This goaltending situation is further complicated by the need to re-sign superstar captain Connor McDavid. To convince McDavid to commit long-term, the Edmonton Oilers must prove they are serious about contending for a championship. This isn’t just about money; it’s about surrounding him with a roster capable of winning. While everyone would be happy if Skinner becomes the long-term solution, the pressure is on. The team needs to show its leader that he won’t have to carry the team by himself. A stable goaltender, consistently performing in the .902 to .905 save percentage range, is essential to secure a better playoff position and provide stability in the postseason.
On the upside, the current goalie tandem offers significant financial flexibility. Skinner and Pickard come with a combined cap hit of less than $4 million this season. Both of their contracts expire at the end of the year, giving the Oilers the freedom to make a change if the current plan doesn’t pan out. This provides a low-risk opportunity to see if Skinner can elevate his game to the required level, without a long-term financial commitment if he can’t.
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