Core Edmonton Oilers player may be on a short leash in 2025-26 season
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers goaltending position faces the most questions heading into the 2025-26 season, and it's possible both Oilers goalies will be on a short leash.
The tandem currently remains unchanged with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, a pair that's backstopped the team to the Stanley Cup Final two years straight - but has been the weakest link each time. Stuart Skinner lost the starter's crease numerous times in the last two playoffs.
Oilers analysts believes Stuart Skinner may be on short leash to start next season
For now, it's apparent that Oilers GM Stan Bowman believes in the team's current tandem to win a Stanley Cup.
Never say never, we looked at a lot of different options, and I think there were a lot of good things we did last year.
To change something just to change it, I don't know that I've ever been a big fan of that. You have to be confident that the change you're making is an improvement. When we looked around at the options, there was nothing that made sense.
- Stan Bowman
However, it's fair to say that the Oilers can't afford a third playoff run with questionable goaltending. If Skinner and Pickard struggle again next season, a move will be absolutely necessary at the trade deadline.
Even more so, it's possible the Oilers make their call earlier in the season. Like they saw with Jack Campbell floundering, if Skinner or Pickard is a liability to the team early on, they'll be forced to make a move.
Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell ran through the players guaranteed to make the NHL roster this training camp, and while Skinner and Pickard did make the cut - they were singled out as not certain.
To change something just to change it, I don't know that I've ever been a big fan of that. You have to be confident that the change you're making is an improvement. When we looked around at the options, there was nothing that made sense.
- Stan Bowman
However, it's fair to say that the Oilers can't afford a third playoff run with questionable goaltending. If Skinner and Pickard struggle again next season, a move will be absolutely necessary at the trade deadline.
Even more so, it's possible the Oilers make their call earlier in the season. Like they saw with Jack Campbell floundering, if Skinner or Pickard is a liability to the team early on, they'll be forced to make a move.
Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell ran through the players guaranteed to make the NHL roster this training camp, and while Skinner and Pickard did make the cut - they were singled out as not certain.
And you know what else? I'm not sure Skinner and Pickard are 'certain' Oilers at this time.
- Allan Mitchell
A slow start in the crease next year could cause enough concern for the Oilers to make a rushed addition, which would put the team in an even worse place.
The Oilers should heavily consider a goalie addition before training camp, even on a tryout contract, so they're not forced to be frantically looking for help early into the season if things go wrong.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 6 | 410 ANSWERS Core Edmonton Oilers player may be on a short leash in 2025-26 season Do you think the Oilers need an upgrade on their goaltending before next season? | ||
| Yes | 348 | 84.9 % |
| No | 62 | 15.1 % |
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