Top insider shuts down rumours around Stuart Skinner trade
Per a new report from NHL analyst David Pagnotta, the Edmonton Oilers aren't going to be trading struggling goaltender Stuart Skinner despite his pending UFA status at the end of this season.
It's no secret that the Edmonton Oilers are just not getting consistent goaltending yet again from the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, both of whom have a very subpar SV%.
Right now, the Oilers continue to be linked to multiple goaltenders in other markets, including names like Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres.
There have even been reports that Skinner has requested a trade out of Edmonton to GM Stan Bowman, but that report is being refuted.
Per a new report from NHL analyst David Pagnotta, the Oilers have no plans to trade Skinner and would rather wait until the summer to make the badly needed upgrade to their goaltending.
I get that that's the primary focal point. But I don't think the Oilers feel that's the primary focal point right now for a couple of reasons. One, they just can't afford to do it.
That's, like, the primary thing; yes, they would like to improve almost any area of their roster. They're in a tough spot now. They have a lot of cap space in the summer, and that'll help. - David Pagnotta
That's, like, the primary thing; yes, they would like to improve almost any area of their roster. They're in a tough spot now. They have a lot of cap space in the summer, and that'll help. - David Pagnotta
Both Skinner and Pickard are pending UFAs at the end of this season, and there has been no indication about any potential extension on the horizon on the part of Bowman to either goalie.
Stuart Skinner Responded Professionally To Pointed Question Of Oilers Fans Turning Against Him
Not long ago, longtime Oilers analyst Jim Matheson had a controversial exchange with Skinner in which he point blank asked him if it hurts that Oilers fans don't want him on the team anymore.
Skinner answered just about as well as anyone could have expected:
That's happened a lot here, no? It happens anywhere around the league. Goalies need to come up with big saves at big times. It's just part of the game of being a goalie.....Honestly, I love it, man. It's the best thing in the world being able to be a goalie. I've learned a lot about character and being able to pull yourself out of some really tough spots.
Skinner is 9-7-3 with a 3.00 GAA and .885 SV% so far this year in 19 games. Is it going to be his last season in an Oilers sweater?
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 1|396 ANSWERS Top insider shuts down rumours around Stuart Skinner trade Are the Oilers going to trade Stuart Skinner? | ||
| Yes | 270 | 68.2 % |
| No | 126 | 31.8 % |
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