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Multiple Oilers insiders reveal tough new report on Stuart Skinner's future
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers were able to complete an impressive comeback win against the Utah Mammoth, but Stuart Skinner had another poor effort.
Entering this season, it was highly surprising the Oilers didn't add a proven starting goalie to aid their playoff aspirations. However, insiders have confirmed that Skinner will likely be traded out if the Oilers don't see improvement - and it's trending that way again.
Multiple Oilers insiders sound the alarm on future of Stuart Skinner
In their game against Utah, Stuart Skinner allowed one goal off a pure misplay. A momentary lack of focus had him totally out of position, gifting a goal to the opposition.
Even though the Oilers came back to win this one game, these types of backbreaking goals is the crux of the issue with Skinner. He can have stretches where he looks fine, and then some awful plays tank his numbers, and cost the team.
The Oilers may have avoided a loss off that brutal goal against Utah, but in the playoffs where the margins are much thinner, this can't be something the Oilers are risking.
Analyst Allan Mitchell raised the fact that Skinner's inconsistent early play may have the front office losing trust in him before the trade deadline.
Stuart Skinner will get plenty of starts but he's shown us what he is, I'm afraid. He might turn into Cam Talbot or Devan Dubnyk in another NHL city, but a Laurent Brossoit future may also await him. Stan Bowman has been patient, perhaps he sees something the save percentage doesn't pick up on.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
Analysts at the Edmonton Journal have raised similar concerns of Skinner's inconsistency and tendency for weak goals - neither of which are viable for a cup contender's starter.
If Skinner can't cut out such major mistakes it won't work here, if only because the pressure and criticism will get to be too much and Skinner himself will clearly be better off in another NHL city, where he will have a fresh start.
- David Staples
- David Staples
Now with mainstream media coming around to see that the Oilers goaltending is a weak point for this roster, it may not be long until a move is actually finalized. The Oilers have given Skinner years to prove himself, and now patience is wearing thin.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 30 | 604 ANSWERS Multiple Oilers insiders reveal tough new report on Stuart Skinner's future Do you think the Oilers will trade Stuart Skinner this year? | ||
| Yes | 442 | 73.2 % |
| No | 162 | 26.8 % |
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