Edmonton Oilers spotted scouting game, sparking trade rumours

Though the general assumption of having all those scouts present is obvious, who exactly they were scouting is not.

Each team has its specific needs, and Edmonton has many, including goaltending; perhaps first and foremost goaltending. Except, making a trade for a quality number-1 isn't as easy as just wishing for one.

The inference is that a goalie Stan Bowman likes is not available; at least one that would make sense trading for. As a result, the Oilers may need to rely on Stuart Skinner for the remainder of the season, or to the trade-deadline.

Of course, the Oilers have played much better of late, and are only 3-points out of first-place in the Pacific, with a record of 8-6-4 and 20-points, good for a tie with the Kings for the 2nd spot.

Even after a very rocky start to the year, the Oilers are not in a horrible position, given they've not yet played their best hockey, far from it, in fact. This leaves plenty of room for hope, and growth.

Even a modest winning streak would turn the season right around. If that happens, and their confidence and the momentum continues to build, then we could be looking at the Oilers' team Stan Bowman and crew had envisioned.

Or the Oilers' staff were at the game to scout for a goalie. That is a strong possibility.

f the Oilers are going to get back to being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, the solution is probably going to have to come from within.