Connor McDavid's angry postseason comments look directed at one roster position
Photo credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Oilers captain Connor McDavid was clearly engaged by his second straight loss in the Cup Final, and is looking for the team to make aggressive improvements - especially in net.
Connor McDavid had very pointed comments toward the goaltending after their loss in the Cup Final, and now, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Oilers top players will play a role in approving a goaltending move.
I think that's one of the things - they've admitted they talked to some of their top players about it.
I wouldn't be surprised if they go to some of those guys and say look, we're not getting Connor Hellebuyck, right? So I wouldn't be surprised if they go over some of their options and say, here's what we could do. And what do you like?
- Elliotte Friedman
I wouldn't be surprised if they go to some of those guys and say look, we're not getting Connor Hellebuyck, right? So I wouldn't be surprised if they go over some of their options and say, here's what we could do. And what do you like?
- Elliotte Friedman
Stan Bowman confirms changes coming to goaltending
The team is currently evaluating every aspect of the structure of the roster, and it appears that he has narrowed it down to the forward group and the goaltending as areas of need and adjustments.
Many pundits in the NHL felt that the Oilers were in trouble after they were not disclosing who they would name as the starting goaltender for game six shortly before the game began as they were uncertain to who they would go to.
In this playoff, Skinner had been pulled several times and twice in the Stanley Cup finals. His goals against was 2.99 and a save percentage of .889 which is not the level a team means to win a Stanley Cup.
Prior to the beginning of the playoffs, trade rumors were swirling around the Oilers as many felt John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks was willing to come to the Oilers to play with a contender and would give their goaltending a different look.
A trade never took place, and Bowman made it clear that he was comfortable with Skinner and Pickard.
Oilers have limited options to acquire a goalie this offseason
This offseason will be difficult for the Oilers as they have limited options when it comes to trades, draft capital as they do not possess a first round pick till 2027 and limited funds to spend as they currently have only $11.9 million in cap space.
The unrestricted free agent market is razor thin when it comes to goaltenders and the team would likely need to part with a key prospect to acquire a goaltender.
Offering Skinner and Pickard as trade bait would not bring a good enough return and certainly not a top goaltender that would help improve the position.
It will be a fascinating summer for this team and how they will move forward on acquiring a new offence, signing Evan Bouchard to a new contract and addressing their goaltending problems.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 1495 ANSWERS Connor McDavid's angry postseason comments look directed at one roster position Do you think the Oilers will make a trade to upgrade their goaltending this summer? | ||
| Yes | 1339 | 89.6 % |
| No | 156 | 10.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
