Oilers GM Stan Bowman's comments hint at level of concern with weakest position
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Oilers goaltending is clearly the weakest position on their roster, and new comments from GM Stan Bowman hint at some level of concern with this year's tandem.
Bowman has previously said that he's confident entering the season with the same tandem, although the team is reported to be interested in some goalies who could become available near training camp.
Oilers GM contradicts himself, hinting at some level of concern with goaltending
Speaking in a new interview with the 100% Hockey Podcast, Stan Bowman made two contradictory comments on changing the goaltending position - which indicates there is some doubt around the position.
When speaking about the returning goalie tandem, Bowman said that he's uncomfortable making a change unless he can find a bona-fide upgrade.
«I think 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 the change you're making is an improvement.»
- Stan Bowman
- Stan Bowman
Later in the same interview, Bowman said change for the sake of it was needed with their goaltending coach. After years of running back the same strategies, it's clear the desired results weren't going to come.
«I know Dustin had been there for a long time, and I think it wasn't really so much about people doing a bad job. I think sometimes change is good. And when you've had one thing for a long time - [Stuart Skinner's] been there for a few years in a row, and same with [Calvin] Pickard. I just felt maybe a little bit of a different look would be good for our organization.
- Stan Bowman
- Stan Bowman
Making a roster move to actually change the goaltending tandem is a more significant move than firing the goalie coach, but the fact that Bowman has already mentioned Skinner has been here for years without winning the cup - perhaps he'd be open to another change.
With Stuart Skinner becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season, a decision will be forced on his future with the team regardless. Hopefully he can find his game and succeed with the Oilers, but if he doesn't, they need to find a better solution before the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 3 | 467 ANSWERS Oilers GM Stan Bowman's comments hint at level of concern with weakest position Do the Oilers need to make a goalie upgrade in trade before the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 408 | 87.4 % |
| No | 59 | 12.6 % |
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