The Edmonton Oilers have had a head-scratching dilemma in net for as long as Connor McDavid and company can remember. Inconsistency in the one position where any mistake is decisive has been a big factor as to why the best player in the NHL has yet to hoist a Stanley Cup in his career.
Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard haven’t been as reliable as the Oilers would hope. After falling in yet another Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton might finally address the elephant in the room. The timing is no coincidence, either. With McDavid eligible for an extension, the front office is not rolling their dice with the face of the franchise—and the NHL.
It’s unclear whether the Oilers will act immediately or wait to explore the goaltending market once the 2025–26 NHL season gets underway. One thing is clear, though: Edmonton is making changes. On that note, recent reports from an insider suggest the organization knows which move makes the most sense for McDavid’s team.
“There is some question if the Oilers will change up their look in goal,” Sportsnet’s Rory Boylen said on a recent article. “Whether that means shipping out Stuart Skinner for a replacement. Perhaps more likely, moving Calvin Pickard to give Skinner a more established backup.”
Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers is hugged by Calvin Pickard #30 following their team’s defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
Got to be quicker than that
The Oilers have yet to engage in formal discussions. Yet, their appearance on the goaltending market wouldn’t come as a surprise. As recently reported, the team in Alberta has been testing the waters on a potential move for a netminder. However, it was too little too late, as the Detroit Red Wings pounced on the player they were after.
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“The Oilers re-engaged before Anaheim traded John Gibson to Detroit to at least see what the price tag was,” insider David Pagnotta said in dialogue with The Big Show podcast. “Other than an inquiry to Boston in November for Jeremy Swayman, I haven’t gotten the sense they’ve heavily explored the goalie market.“
Not losing sleep
Edmonton can’t rest on its laurels when it comes to McDavid’s extension. Yet, the Oilers shouldn’t go over to the other extreme, either. The organization is obviously anxious about re-signing the 28-year-old cornerstone, but all signs point at McDavid staying in town.
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“I think I’ve been around long enough to know when there’s fear of losing someone. I don’t feel that here,” insider Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast. “We’ll see where this goes during the summer. This is not one I’m worried about. I’m not. I think he extends. I just don’t know what the term of [the deal] is going to be, but there will be no fight.”
