Edmonton Oilers may take most disappointing path forward with goalies
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The Edmonton Oilers' biggest roster weakness is clearly their goaltending, but according to new insider reports, they just don't see an available upgrade on either goalie.
After their second straight Stanley Cup Final loss, GM Stan Bowman said forwards and goaltending would be the areas with most evaluation. Now they've done their homework, and they don't see any better goalies than Skinner or Pickard.
Oilers insider reveals team may stand pat with goaltending duo for next season
According to TSN Insider Ryan Rishaug, the Oilers still see Skinner as a young and cheap goaltender with upside - and won't make change just for the sake of it. A clear upgrade would have to emerge, and at the moment, the Oilers do not see one.
If a clear option is found, either in tandem with or replacing Skinner they'll explore, if it's not I'd expect they'll stand pat until something emerges.
- Ryan Rishaug
- Ryan Rishaug
Simply put, the Oilers aren't doing their due diligence if they don't try something different for next year's goaltending tandem. Bringing back Stuart Skinner is understandable, but to say there are no upgrades on Calvin Pickard is ridiculous.
The Edmonton Oilers had the lowest save percentage in the history of the Stanley Cup Finals this season, and it wasn't much better the year before. They desperately need to try something else in net.
Oilers targeting top six forward in absence of available goalies
Rishaug added that the Oilers will instead be pursuing an addition to their top six forward group, particularly targeting a star player to play with McDavid or Draisaitl.
There are plenty of opportunities to trade or sign quality top six wingers in the coming days, but it simply may not matter if the goaltending continues to let them down. Edmonton has one real priority to change with the roster next year, and it's in net.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 27 | 912 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers may take most disappointing path forward with goalies Do you think the Oilers will actually run back the same pairing of Skinner and Pickard next year? | ||
| Yes | 317 | 34.8 % |
| No | 595 | 65.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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