Expectations set for Skinner and Pickard before Oilers make trade decision

It's a widely-held assumption that Edmonton's success is strongly connected to how Stuart Skinner performs this coming season, and should he perform at a .910 or better save percentage, the likelihood of the Oilers having a god year is pretty good.

Yet, Skinner cannot do it alone; he will need Calvin Pickard to have an equally good season. According to Oilersnation analysts, that should not be a problem, given his past performances.

It is this kind of consistency from Pickard the Oilers will need if they hope to advance in the playoffs again - and there is no reason to expect he can't.

Calvin Pickard proved to be a valuable backup to Stuart Skinner during the 2024-25 season, particularly when Skinner faced inconsistencies, finishing the regular season with a 22-10-1 record in 31 starts, and was near-perfect in the playoffs, going 7-1 when replacing Skinner.

Pickard stepped in and delivered crucial wins, earning him a reputation for reliability. Despite not being a household name, Pickard's consistent performances and veteran presence have made him an undeniable asset for the Oilers. Some even argue he provided the best value as a backup in the league at a $1M cap hit.

It is now incumbent on the two goalies to perform in a manner in which they are clearly capable, anchoring the Oilers' defensive-zone and going into the post-season with the team's confidence on their side.