Friedman: Edmonton Oilers goalie trade may be off for this season
Photo credit: Kevin Ng - Imagn Images
In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman noted that fans should not be surprised if the Oilers don't make changes in goal, or anywhere else.
Oilers wont trade just for the sake of one
On today's edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman revealed the Oilers' thought process on a goalie trade.
«I had some people who said to me, do not be surprised - if Edmonton does not make any decisions, like in goal or major decisions until the end of the year.»
They are not going to trade Skinner for a guy who they feel has the same questions as Skinner.
They don't believe with their limited assets that that makes any sense for them, and they won't do it. And the other thing I was reminded to is, Skinner's cap number is smaller than a lot of goalies. With Edmonton's situation, you have to probably take on money if you're doing this.
And that's going to force other difficult decisions. So I really believe that the Oilers look at it like we are staying with our plan, but if we get something better, we'll do it.»
- Elliotte Friedman
They are not going to trade Skinner for a guy who they feel has the same questions as Skinner.
They don't believe with their limited assets that that makes any sense for them, and they won't do it. And the other thing I was reminded to is, Skinner's cap number is smaller than a lot of goalies. With Edmonton's situation, you have to probably take on money if you're doing this.
And that's going to force other difficult decisions. So I really believe that the Oilers look at it like we are staying with our plan, but if we get something better, we'll do it.»
- Elliotte Friedman
With all that said, Friedman raises many valid points, with GM Stan Bowman backed into a corner on the trade front. The team is nearly capped-out and don't have the trade-assets to send the other way.
Needless to say, Oilers fans aren't too happy with this new update - they want to see an upgrade at their weakest position before another playoff run.
The fact that Bowman hasn't made any roster changes, despite the team being 25th overall in the standings, is a clear indication that he may not be able to.
In addition, according to Friedman, of the goalies that may be available, none are a sure-fire upgrade, and could in fact, be a downgrade on Skinner.
Some teams that are rumored to have available goalies are Columbus, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Chicago, but don't expect to see any deal forthcoming.
The Oilers' GM had given until December 10th to assess the team, which then shifted to Christmas, and will likely continue to move until the trade-deadline.
Nothing is certain as of today.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 1|421 ANSWERS Friedman: Edmonton Oilers goalie trade may be off for this season Is Stan Bowman right to be patient, or should he trade for a new goalie? | ||
| trade for a goalie now | 224 | 53.2 % |
| wait until trade-deadline | 197 | 46.8 % |
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