The Edmonton Oilers are currently facing off against the Los Angeles Kings in a tough first-round playoff series. While the team fights for a chance to advance, one player in particular has been drawing attention: goaltender Stuart Skinner. After a rough start to the series, Skinner’s performance has become the subject of growing speculation, and his future with the Oilers is uncertain.
Skinner’s Early Struggles in the Playoffs
Stuart Skinner, who was crucial in the Oilers’ journey to the Stanley Cup final last season, hasn’t been able to replicate that success so far in the playoffs. In the first two games of the series, Skinner allowed 11 goals on 58 shots, which led to a save percentage of only .810. His shaky play caused coach Jay Woodcroft to pull him in favor of backup goaltender Calvin Pickard during Game 2. Pickard, who stepped in with strong performances, led the Oilers to victories in both Game 3 and Game 4, making it difficult to imagine Skinner returning to the starting role if Pickard continues to perform well.
The Impact of Pickard’s Strong Play
Pickard, though not yet an established NHL starter, has earned the trust of the Oilers’ coaching staff after his solid play in relief. In the regular season, he appeared in 36 games and posted a .900 save percentage. While it’s unclear if Pickard is the Oilers’ long-term solution in net, his playoff performance has demonstrated that he can handle important games, possibly as a 1B option alongside a proven 1A. If the Oilers continue to prefer Pickard over Skinner, it could signal the end of Skinner’s tenure in Edmonton.
Potential Trade Rumors and the Oilers’ Future
Should Skinner remain as the backup for the remainder of the playoffs, it could lead to a trade in the off-season. The Oilers are in a position where they may need to move some key players to improve their roster, and Skinner could become trade bait. Allan Mitchell of The Athletic pointed out that Skinner, along with defenseman Evan Bouchard, could be used as trade chips this summer. With general manager Stan Bowman taking over, he will likely look to upgrade the team’s goaltending or defense. Skinner’s $2.6 million contract, which runs through next season, makes him a valuable asset, especially if the team no longer sees him as their starting goaltender.
The Oilers’ Plans for the Off-Season
The Oilers’ off-season decisions will largely depend on how their playoff run unfolds. Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now suggested that the team will likely address its goaltending situation in the summer. While Calvin Pickard may not be the permanent solution, his recent performances could show that he is a capable backup, leaving the Oilers to seek a more reliable 1A goaltender for the future. If Edmonton is eliminated early in the playoffs, Skinner could be one of the first casualties of an off-season shakeup. However, if the team has a deep playoff run and Skinner finds his game again, he could retain his spot as the starting goalie.
Stuart Skinner’s future with the Edmonton Oilers hangs in the balance. His recent struggles in the playoffs, combined with Calvin Pickard’s strong performances, have raised questions about his role on the team moving forward. If the Oilers are unable to find success this postseason, Skinner could find himself on the trading block as the team looks to strengthen its goaltending for future seasons. However, if the team makes a deep run and Skinner regains his form, he could salvage his place on the roster and continue to be part of Edmonton’s quest for a Stanley Cup.
