The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> made a bold move on Friday, acquiring goaltender Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers in a high-profile trade that sent Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. Penguins head coach Dan Muse wasted no time in praising Skinner, emphasizing the veteran’s deep playoff experience and its impact on a team vying for postseason success.



The swap also included defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick heading to Pittsburgh, while the Oilers gain Jarry and forward Sam Poulin. For the Penguins, the focus is clear: Skinner is expected to compete for the starting role alongside offseason acquisition Arturs Silovs.



Muse, in his first year behind the Penguins bench, highlighted the intangible value Skinner brings. “You can’t put a price on that type of experience. Two years in a row, too. It’s a lot of it. So, yeah, excited for him and the opportunity here,” Muse said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-intrigued-by-stuart-skinner-postseason-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>, underscoring the rarity of having multiple players with Stanley Cup Final experience in the locker room.



<h2>How will Skinner fit into Pittsburgh’s goaltending rotation?</h2>



With Skinner joining the team, Pittsburgh has completely revamped its crease in a matter of months. After trading Alex Nedeljkovic in the offseason and acquiring Silovs from Vancouver, Skinner now adds proven postseason experience to a young core. “To have been there and to have been through it and to be through that kind of a grind and to be able to learn from it…you don’t have that in every single locker room,” Muse added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251213_BUS_544758_muse_498d7359.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544790"></figure><figcaption>&nbsp;Head coach Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on in the third period during the game. Justin Berl/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What challenges does Skinner face this season?</h2>



Despite his playoff pedigree, Skinner enters Pittsburgh with questions surrounding consistency, especially after criticism for his 2025 Stanley Cup Final performance against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>. His contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, leaving future negotiations open amid a rising prospect, Sergei Murashov, pushing for NHL minutes.


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As the Penguins prepare for Saturday’s matchup against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-jose-sharks">San Jose Sharks</a>, Skinner’s debut will offer early insight into how quickly he adapts and whether the team can leverage his experience into a competitive edge in the postseason.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693d9c5ee2d53b59fb2f056a" data-title="Who will make a bigger impact this season?" data-options="3"></div>

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NHL News: Penguins coach Dan Muse delivers candid take on Stuart Skinner after blockbuster deal with Oilers - Bolavip US

Penguins coach Dan Muse delivers candid take on Skinner after blockbuster deal with Oilers

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a>, led by Connor McDavid, have made a decisive move to address their early-season struggles, completing a trade for Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry, a teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a>. 



As part of the transaction, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins</a> received goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and Edmonton’s 2029 second-round draft pick in exchange for Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin, according to President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas.



After weeks of scrutiny surrounding Edmonton’s inconsistent goaltending, the organization shifted aggressively, finalizing a high-profile deal aimed at stabilizing the position as playoff pressure grows.



Talks accelerated quickly in recent days, with multiple insiders reporting progress. The Oilers entered the week with one of the lowest team save percentages in the league and a pressing need to support a roster built around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> and Leon Draisaitl. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251212_BUS_544270_harry_c2447053.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544289"></figure></figure>



The move was officially confirmed by the Penguins’ official account on X: “The Penguins have acquired goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and the Edmonton Oilers 2029 second-round draft pick in exchange for goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin.” The acquisition ends a stretch of speculation and signals Edmonton’s intent to strengthen the roster before the playoff race intensifies.



<h2>How the trade impacts Edmonton and Pittsburgh</h2>


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For Edmonton, acquiring Jarry represents a significant upgrade between the pipes, addressing a key weakness that threatened to derail their season. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, adds promising talent in Skinner and Kulak, plus an extra draft pick, allowing the team to maintain competitiveness while balancing future planning.



<h2>Next steps for the Oilers</h2>



With Jarry in net, the Oilers’ coaching staff will immediately assess how to integrate him alongside the existing roster. The focus will be on improving save percentage, reducing defensive lapses, and supporting the offensive firepower of McDavid and Draisaitl as Edmonton looks to solidify its playoff positioning.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693c3bb2e2d53b59fb2f0552" data-title="Will the Oilers’ goaltending upgrade be enough to contend for the Stanley Cup?" data-options="4"></div>

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NHL News: Connor McDavid's Oilers land Sidney Crosby's Penguins goalie in high-profile goaltending shakeup - Bolavip US

McDavid's Oilers land Crosby's Penguins goalie in high-profile goaltending shakeup

Some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> seasons are remembered not for goals but for the players who made them possible. In those stretches, the ice seemed to widen around certain skaters, their touch turning routine shifts into moments that rewrote how offenses flowed.



There were years when a single playmaker held the tempo of an entire team, threading passes that felt inevitable only after they landed. Those assists reshaped game plans and forced rivals to adjust night after night.



What endures from those runs isn’t just the final tally, but the sense that these players captured something rare: the ability to control chaos with a quiet, constant influence. Their names stand as markers few have been able to match.



<h2>Who had the most assists in one NHL season?</h2>



When discussing the single-season assist record in NHL history, one name looms larger than any other: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a>. In the 1985–86 season, while wearing the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> sweater, he delivered 163 assists in the regular season, a total so far beyond the norm that it still stands decades later as the official record.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251212_BUS_544230_Wayne-Gretzky-1_196e422d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544257"></figure><figcaption>Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers in 2003 (Source: Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



What makes this mark even more remarkable isn’t just the raw number — it’s the context. His 163 helpers weren’t scattered across a fluke run of games; they came in a full 80-game NHL schedule against the era’s elite defenders and goaltenders. 



At a time when the league was transitioning from strictly physical play to more open offense, his vision on the ice redefined what was possible from a playmaker. That season, He didn’t just assist on goals — he directed traffic. 



His presence on the ice was described by contemporaries as orchestral: a center who saw plays develop before they existed, threading passes with surgical precision. His assists are not merely statistics but a lesson in spatial awareness and hockey intellect that remains unrivaled.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td>Team</td><td>Season</td><td>Assists</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1985-86</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1984-85</td><td>135</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1982-83</td><td>125</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1990-91</td><td>122</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1986-87</td><td>121</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1981-82</td><td>120</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1983-84</td><td>118</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>114</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1988-89</td><td>114</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1987-88</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1980-81</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1989-90</td><td>102</td></tr><tr><td>Bobby Orr</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1970-71</td><td>102</td></tr><tr><td>Nikita Kucherov</td><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>2023-24</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Connor McDavid</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>2023-24</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1987-88</td><td>98</td></tr><tr><td>Adam Oates</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1992-93</td><td>97</td></tr><tr><td>Joe Thornton</td><td>TOT</td><td>2005-06</td><td>96</td></tr><tr><td>Doug Gilmour</td><td>Toronto Maple Leafs</td><td>1992-93</td><td>95</td></tr><tr><td>Pat LaFontaine</td><td>Buffalo Sabres</td><td>1992-93</td><td>95</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1985-86</td><td>93</td></tr><tr><td>Peter Stastny</td><td>Quebec Nordiques</td><td>1981-82</td><td>93</td></tr><tr><td>Joe Thornton</td><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>2006-07</td><td>92</td></tr><tr><td>Ron Francis</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>92</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>92</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: NHL Records and Statmuse)</figcaption></figure>

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NHL players with the most assists in a single season: Top record holders - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> overwhelmed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-kraken">Seattle Kraken</a> 9-4 on Thursday night, improving their record to 12-11-5 and securing 29 points, tying them for the final Western Conference Wild Card spot. With four points out of first place in the Pacific Division, Edmonton’s playoff hopes remain alive, and the team showed offensive firepower on display.



Oilers captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> led the charge, netting the 13th hat trick of his career. His performance was a stark contrast to earlier in the week, when he reflected on a missed opportunity in a narrow 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild. McDavid’s mindset of balancing playmaking with finishing has clearly paid off.



The team’s season got off to a rocky start, with a 6-6-4 record after a heavy loss to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche">Colorado Avalanche</a>. However, Edmonton has found more consistency recently, and Thursday’s win showcased their offensive potential.



<h2>McDavid’s message</h2>



“I thought I passed a couple away the other night and it ultimately cost us, losing a 1-0 game,” McDavid said, according to<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-edmonton-oilers-game-recap-december-4-2025"> NHL.com</a>. “Who knows if I score on one of those. I definitely thought about shooting a little bit more.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">CONNOR MCDAVID HAT TRICK!!! 🎩🎩🎩 <a href="https://t.co/oK4q5awSqK">pic.twitter.com/oK4q5awSqK</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1996795727150751854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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He added, “It feels good to get a couple as a group, and hopefully guys are feeling good about themselves and can build on it. I feel like we’re playing better. It’s nice to score some goals and feel good about ourselves.”


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<h2>What’s next for the Oilers</h2>



Goaltending has been a lingering concern, but Calvin Pickard held strong against Seattle. Edmonton could still pursue a goalie trade, yet the offense’s resurgence has shifted focus to the team’s scoring capabilities.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69334783e2d53b59fb2f0475" data-title="Who will lead the Oilers’ scoring surge through the rest of the season?" data-options="4"></div>


The Oilers continue their homestand with three upcoming games: Saturday night against the Winnipeg Jets, followed by matchups with the Buffalo Sabres and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>. Fans will be watching closely to see if McDavid can maintain his scoring momentum.

NHL News: Connor McDavid sends message on scoring hat trick after Oilers dominate Kraken

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NHL News: Connor McDavid sends message on scoring hat trick after Oilers dominate Kraken - Bolavip US

McDavid sends message on scoring hat trick after Oilers dominate Kraken

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> have shown flashes of brilliance this season, most recently with a 4-0 shutout win over the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-kraken">Seattle Kraken</a> on Saturday. Yet, consistency has eluded the team, and a series of injuries is threatening to stall its momentum.



Among the sidelined players are Jack Roslovic, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jake Walman, all key contributors whose absences are being felt as Edmonton navigates a tough stretch of games. While Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Curtis Lazar have returned, the Oilers still face an uphill battle to maintain their position in the Pacific Division.



Roslovic, in particular, has emerged as one of Edmonton’s steadier offensive forces this season, recording 18 points in 23 games. His injury occurred after stepping in front of a shot against Dallas last week, and though coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed it wasn’t a broken bone, it’s severe enough to keep him out for an extended period.



<h2>What’s the latest on Roslovic and other injured Oilers?</h2>



On The Jason Gregor Show, NHL insider Jason Gregor provided clarity on the timelines: “If you look at the injuries, Roslovic, and Kapanen, I’m gonna say right now, most likely, probably not till after Christmas. There’s a chance one or both could play a game before, but I think if we’re talking realistic, now guy heals quicker than you think, that’s great. More than three weeks which puts him after Christmas break.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251202_BUS_537836_oilers_ec6b5ded.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-537850"></figure><figcaption>Jack Roslovic #28 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench . Joe Hrycych/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



If the timeline holds, Roslovic’s earliest possible return is December 23 against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/calgary-flames">Calgary</a>, though a more realistic target is the December 27 road game, also against the Flames. Kapanen, sidelined since October 19 due to a lower-body injury, remains on long-term injured reserve, limiting the team’s forward depth further.


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<h2>What about Jake Walman?</h2>



Gregor also addressed the status of Jake Walman, who missed three consecutive games after taking two hard shots in a matchup against Tampa Bay. “Jake Walman did skate today, progression, but he did not finish the practice, he left early with the medical staff, so not playing tomorrow, I don’t think he is playing Thursday, I would say Saturday at the earliest,” Gregor said.



Despite these setbacks, there is at least a glimmer of optimism. With Nugent-Hopkins and Curtis Lazar back in the lineup, Edmonton is gaining some stability as it prepares for the upcoming games, including the challenging matchup against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/minnesota-wild">Minnesota Wild</a> on Tuesday.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692efa46e2d53b59fb2f03f0" data-title="How concerned should the Oilers be about their injury situation?" data-options="4"></div>


The Oilers will need timely returns from Roslovic, Kapanen, and Walman to regain a foothold in the Pacific Division. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can maintain momentum or if injuries will continue to weigh on its performance as the holiday stretch approaches.

NHL News: Oilers receive limited updates on injuries to Roslovic, Kapanen and Walman ahead of Christmas stretch

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NHL News: Oilers receive limited updates on injuries to Roslovic, Kapanen and Walman ahead of Christmas stretch - Bolavip US

Oilers receive limited updates on injuries to Roslovic, Kapanen and Walman ahead of Christmas stretch

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a> and the Edmonton Oilers have no one to blame but themselves. In the midst of a deflating NHL campaign, the captain in Northern Alberta delivered a straightforward reminder about the team’s struggles. Now, another key teammate has doubled down on that message.



Following Edmonton’s disheartening 8-3 loss to the Dallas Stars, McDavid didn’t mince words on his postgame statement. After both goaltenders, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, struggled in net, captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/connor-mcdavid-exposes-deep-frustration-with-oilers-after-ugly-loss-to-stars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McDavid exposed a deep frustration with the Oilers</a>. 



However, instead of pointing the finger at the goalies—who are an easy target for fans and media in the Gateway to the North and a common scapegoat for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a>—McDavid admitted that the struggles in net have been a consequence of the poor play in front of them. On that note, Leon Draisaitl echoed his captain’s stance with a vivid admission of his own.



“What are [the goaltenders] supposed to do? They’re part of the team, too. I’m sure they would tell you themselves that they can be better at times. We don’t need to let them out of everything at all times. There’s not much they can do, we’re giving up grade-A look after grade-A look. Can’t expect the goalie to stop every single shot. It doesn’t work like that. We just have to be so much better for them,” Draisaitl told reporters after the game, via OilersNation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534452_leon-draisaitl_3fa107b2.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Leon Draisaitl walking down the tunnel" class="wp-image-512515" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption> Leon Draisaitl at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2025 in New York City. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Oilers must address goaltending issue</h2>



Coming into the season, the Oilers tried to downplay just how much of a need they had in net. Only one quarter into the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign, the elephant in the room has grown too big for Edmonton to look the other way. 


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Regardless, McDavid and company know better than to expect an opponent to come forward and hand them what might just be the final piece to the puzzle for the Oilers to hoist their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/edmonton-oilers-last-stanley-cup-win" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first Stanley Cup in 35 years</a>. Edmonton’s front office must pick up the phone and make calls. A starting goaltender won’t just fall right into the Oilers’ lap.



<h2>McDavid and Draisaitl’s comments are what the Oilers need to hear</h2>



Make no mistake, though: McDavid, Draisaitl, and the leaders in the locker room are saying all the right things. They can’t throw their goalies under the bus, as that might as well be waving their season hopes goodbye. Regardless, everybody knows goaltending has been a liability in Edmonton. 



That can only change with the brass making moves. Miracles rarely occur in the NHL, and hoping for Skinner and Pickard to find their footing in Alberta is starting to look more like wishful thinking than rational consideration.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Making it look easy 😤 <a href="https://t.co/kSxSjwOUSZ">pic.twitter.com/kSxSjwOUSZ</a>— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) <a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars/status/1993509745341452592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Latest rumor in town</h2>



“Tristan Jarry is among the goalies drawing significant interest as a potential option for the Edmonton Oilers,” as reported by insider Kevin Weekes. Though Jarry’s production in the NHL has been awfully inconsistent at times, the two-time Stanley Cup champion might bring some winning experience to the locker room, along with much-needed winds of change.



It’s still early in the season—though fans in Edmonton feel as if the clock is breathing down their necks—and the Oilers will weigh all their options. Coming into this season, it seemed reasonable for them to wait until the trade deadline. However, given the way things have gone lately, staying off the market until March may prove too late for McDavid and company to right the ship.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69279939e2d53b59fb2f035c" data-title="If only one goalie could stay in Edmonton, who should it be?" data-options="2"></div>

NHL News: Edmonton Oilers star doubles down on Connor McDavid’s stern wake-up call to the team

NHL News: Edmonton Oilers star doubles down on Connor McDavid’s stern wake-up call to the team - Bolavip US

Edmonton Oilers star doubles down on Connor McDavid’s stern wake-up call

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a> and the Edmonton Oilers are learning old habits die hard in the NHL. With the team stumbling with the same old stone time and again, the captain issued a straightforward message on helping out Stuart Skinner and the goaltending room.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a> lost in embarrassing fashion to the Dallas Stars on home ice. Following the 8–3 defeat, McDavid and Edmonton have now allowed seven or more goals in a game for the third time this season. Needless to say, the Oilers have lost every single time they’ve surrendered that many tallies. Giving up goals in bunches is hardly a recipe for success, and the team in the Gateway to the North is being reminded of that night after night.



In hopes of flipping the script, a loud buzz is building around the Oilers. Many are calling for a big splash in net, as the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has been anything but reliable. McDavid addressed the hot topic in Edmonton, shifting the focus toward the rest of the lineup rather than the goalie duo.



“I really feel like goaltending is a team thing,” McDavid admitted postgame, via Greg Wyshynski on X. “I don’t care who it is: When the team in front of them isn’t playing up to their standards, [it’s] tough for a goalie to look good. I felt bad for both of them tonight.”



<h2>Tough night for Skinner and Pickard</h2>



Taking on the second-best team in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>—the Dallas Stars—at Rogers Place, Kris Knoblauch gave Skinner the nod in net. However, it was far from a smooth night for the 27-year-old. Skinner didn’t even make it out of the first period, as Dallas buried four unanswered goals in the opening frame. His night was cut short, but Pickard didn’t have much better luck, either.


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Of course, it might be easy to point the finger at the goaltenders after such a lopsided loss, but there’s clearly an elephant in the room. McDavid is staring right at it, and he’s shown no hesitation addressing it publicly. 



<h2>How can the Oilers turn their season around?</h2>



Now it’s up to the Oilers to right the ship amid a chaotic NHL season. In more ways than one, it feels like déjà vu for this team—but just because Edmonton has been in similar waters before doesn’t mean it knows how to escape them this time.



If there’s a silver lining for the Oilers, it’s that the Pacific Division is currently being led by some of the youngest rosters in the league. With Anaheim sitting on top, Edmonton can hope the Ducks’ inexperience eventually shows over the long haul—giving the proven group in Alberta a chance to hit the gas and take over.



It should go without saying, but if the Oilers want to turn the page, they need to give their goaltenders far more help. Skinner and Pickard have to raise their level, too—because sooner or later, even the best teams need the man between the pipes to bail them out.


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Edmonton Oilers put on notice by captain Connor McDavid’s stern message on goaltending

NHL News: Connor McDavid makes something clear to Stuart Skinner, Oilers on goaltending woes - Bolavip US

McDavid makes something clear to Skinner, Oilers on goaltending woes

NHL News: Connor McDavid makes something clear to Stuart Skinner, Oilers on goaltending woes

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> suffered a humbling 8-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, and it was clear this defeat cut deeper than most. After dropping four of their last five games, the frustration was evident on Connor McDavid’s face during his postgame media availability.



When asked about the team’s disastrous first period, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">McDavid</a> could only repeat, “I don’t know. I don’t know. Yeah, I don’t. I don’t have any answers for you here tonight.”



That sense of uncertainty reflects a broader issue. Edmonton’s struggles are no longer isolated mistakes—they are systemic. The Oilers allowed four goals on just eight first-period shots, leaving both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard exposed behind a collapsing defensive system.



<h2>Structural issues behind Edmonton’s struggles</h2>



Pressed on the team’s defensive lapses, McDavid highlighted a problem that begins far from the crease. “I think it stems from the whole thing,” he said. “You know, we’re not good enough with the puck. It’s leading to sustained time in our D zone. Yeah, it’s the whole thing. We’re not getting up the ice, not forechecking pucks back. We’re playing too much in the D zone. There aren’t many defensive systems that hold up after 30 or 40 seconds in your D zone. It’s tough to defend.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">"I don’t have any answers." Connor McDavid on the Oilers’ 8-3 loss to the Stars. <a href="https://t.co/LEUnFftCtZ">pic.twitter.com/LEUnFftCtZ</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1993548700799627268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



McDavid’s visible frustration stems partly from the investment he has made in this organization. Despite being the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s most dynamic offensive player and producing over a point-per-game with 34 points in 25 outings, he continues to shoulder a tremendous load.


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Even more telling, McDavid recently agreed to a two-year, $25 million extension starting in 2026–27, maintaining the same annual salary as his previous deal. His decision prioritized roster flexibility and the pursuit of a Stanley Cup over personal financial gain.



<h2>Belief vs. Urgency</h2>



That commitment makes nights like Tuesday’s loss even harder. The Oilers currently sit at 10-10-5, struggling with consistency, defensive lapses, and inconsistent goaltending. While the talent on the roster remains undeniable, their flaws were brutally exposed by a Dallas team firing on all cylinders.


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However, belief alone will not suffice. The Oilers must translate confidence into structure, discipline, and urgency. Without immediate improvements, this season risks becoming another chapter in a story that Edmonton—and especially its captain—is desperate to rewrite.

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Connor McDavid exposes deep frustration with Oilers after ugly loss to Stars - Bolavip US

Connor McDavid exposes deep frustration with Oilers after ugly loss to Stars

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers know they are failing to meet expectations in the 2025-26 NHL season. Obviously, missing key pieces to long-term injuries is far from ideal, but Paul Maurice still wants better from his side. Following the 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the two-time Stanley Cup-winning head coach sent his team a strong message.



Good times seem to fade away in an eyeblink for Marchand and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> in the current NHL season. Just when the Cats had strung together consecutive wins, a tough loss to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a> rained down on their parade. Following the defeat on home ice, Maurice didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts on the performance.



“It certainly was not a defensive struggle out there. It was a struggle at times, but not defensively,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-maurice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maurice</a> admitted, via Jameson Olive and <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “They had the lead. 



“They were able to protect a little bit and we had the chance to push a little bit hard. Shots were [13-8] for them in the first period, but we missed the net 13 times. We were in the right end and generating enough but just gave up too much.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251123_BUS_532421_paul-maurice_3d0e6be3.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Paul Maurice standing behind the bench" class="wp-image-510508" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Paul Maurice at Amerant Bank Arena on October 07, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Panthers should be scoring more</h2>



Two things can be true. Marchand is playing some of the best hockey of his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> career, yet the Panthers’ offense has been underwhelming. The 37-year-old came just shy of matching his career-best point streak of 13 games—he hit 11 straight this season—but the rest of the team has struggled to put the puck in the net.


 

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According to data from MoneyPuck.com, the Panthers register the sixth-worst goals scored above expected mark in the league (minus 12.36). This means the Panthers should have scored roughly 12 more goals this season — 73 tallies, instead of their 61 goals so far in the season. Moreover, Florida has the fifth-worst shooting percentage — 4.59% — in all attempts.



Thus, the data supports and confirms what every fan at Amerant Bank Arena has seen all season long. In more ways than one, the Panthers are shooting themselves in the foot and setting themselves up for failure with their lack of efficiency.

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NHL News: Paul Maurice issues stern reminder to Brad Marchand, Panthers after tough loss to Oilers - Bolavip US

Maurice issues stern reminder to Marchand, Panthers after tough loss to Oilers

Inconsistency is putting the Edmonton Oilers’ 2025-26 NHL season in jeopardy. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a> and Leon Draisaitl know all hope is placed on their shoulders, being asked to steer the organization to safe harbor. However, head coach Kris Knoblauch has now issued a stern message to the rest of the team.



For as long as McDavid and Draisaitl have wreak havoc on the ice for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a>, Edmonton has seen its production become one-dimensional. It’s perhaps the most obvious two-edged sword across the NHL. While Connor and Leon can produce just as many points as any other player, relying on them constantly is far from a recipe for success.



For fans in the Gateway to the North, it’s becoming a tale as old as time. Some may think it’s an overreaction, but living and reliving Groundhog Day in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> is making fans in Edmonton anxious. The rest of the team must step up, and Knoblauch didn’t mince words on that.



“We need to have secondary scoring,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kris-knoblauch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kris Knoblauch</a> admitted, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “We can’t rely on Connor and Leon or whoever’s playing with them. We need some bottom-six contributions. Tonight we got some of that, which is good.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530783_Head-coach-Kris-Knoblauch-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-takes-part-in-practice-during-the-off-day-between-g_70df2619.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers takes part in practice during the off day between games against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 12, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada." class="wp-image-364966" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers</figcaption></figure>



<h2>A pending task for the Oilers</h2>



For a very long time, the Oilers have vied to build a contending roster around their two centerpieces. However, the offense is still being carried entirely by McDavid and Draisaitl. Day has followed night, night after night, and the Canadian-German duo remains the only source Edmonton turns to for answers.


 

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Edmonton is currently 9-9-4 on the season, sitting in the middle of the pack in the Pacific Division with 22 points. However, to truly be seen as a contender, the Oilers must get everyone in the lineup involved. If their back-to-back defeats in the Stanley Cup Final serve as any reminder, McDavid and Draisaitl can’t do it all themselves. To reach the promised land, Edmonton needs all hands on deck.



<h2>McDavid and Draisaitl’s numbers</h2>



To no one’s surprise, McDavid and Draisaitl sit atop the stats leaderboards. The former first overall pick in 2015 is second in scoring around the league with 32 points—9 goals and 23 assists. As for Draisaitl, the German star has recorded 26 points (14 goals and 12 assists) through 22 games in the 2025-26 NHL season.



The duo has combined for 58 tallies so far this season. With Edmonton registering 181 points across its lineup, McDavid and Draisaitl account for roughly 33% of Knoblauch’s total offensive production. And while the numbers suggest they make up just one-third of the squad’s output, in reality the duo is virtually the whole team.

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NHL News: Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch makes something clear about Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl to rest of the team - Bolavip US

Knoblauch makes something clear about McDavid, Draisaitl to Oilers

Hockey legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a> recently commented on Connor McDavid’s contract extension, which has once again put the Edmonton Oilers under scrutiny. The superstar center, widely regarded as one of the game’s elite talents, remains the cornerstone of the franchise’s offense and leadership. His new two-year, $25 million deal, set to start in the 2026-27 season, raises the stakes for both him and the team.



After <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back</a> Stanley Cup Final losses to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>, Edmonton is eager to convert potential into results. McDavid’s extension provides stability and signals his commitment to the organization—but it also highlights the urgency for management to assemble a roster capable of contending. 



The contract reflects more than just salary. McDavid continues to focus on team achievement over individual gain, and his presence underscores the importance of timely decisions from Edmonton’s front office as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a> aim to return to championship form.



<h2>Is McDavid putting the Oilers on the clock?</h2>



Wayne Gretzky recently weighed in on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">McDavid</a>’s deal during an appearance on 100% Hockey with John Shannon and Daren Millard. “I think everybody is [aware that they’re on the clock]. I think he sent the message loud and clear. And good for him. He still gets paid a lot of money. Is he getting what he deserves? No, probably not, because he’s one of the guys that sells tickets in every stadium that he goes to. People get out of their chairs,” Gretzky said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_525805_wayne-connor_b5d2ca81.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-525812"></figure><figcaption>Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers talks with Wayne Gretzky after McDavid wins the Hart Memorial Trophy. Ethan Miller/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Gretzky’s words acknowledge McDavid’s value while also emphasizing the pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise. The extension places a spotlight not just on McDavid, but on how quickly the Oilers can assemble a supporting cast to maximize his prime years.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-senators-make-major-roster-decision-on-shane-pinto-amid-captain-brady-tkachuks-absence"></div>


<h2>McDavid’s production and expectations</h2>



Through 17 games in the 2025-26 season, McDavid has recorded 7 goals and 17 assists for 24 points, averaging more than 23 minutes of ice time per game. Despite a minus-4 rating, he remains the engine of Edmonton’s offense.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6915eee62d286e1484d5ea88" data-title="Will Connor McDavid’s extension force the Oilers to make major moves this offseason?" data-options="4"></div>


McDavid’s deal ensures he will remain a focal point for two more seasons, placing the onus on the Oilers’ management to construct a roster capable of championship contention.

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NHL News: Wayne Gretzky shares thoughts on Connor McDavid's $25M extension, Oilers' expectations - Bolavip US

Gretzky shares thoughts on McDavid’s $25M extension, Oilers’ expectations

The mood around Edmonton has shifted from Stanley Cup optimism to uneasy concern. After a slow start, questions have surrounded the Oilers’ goaltending and overall consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a>, the team’s form remains unstable through the early stretch of the season.



General manager Stan Bowman, in his 16th month at the helm, finds himself facing growing pressure. Goaltender Stuart Skinner has struggled, allowing 11 goals over his last three starts, while the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a>’ record stands at 7-6-4 through 17 games. 



Yet, Bowman’s response was measured when speaking after the NHL’s November GM meeting in Toronto—he refused to single out his goalies. “Our goalies have been average — haven’t been elite and they haven’t been bad,” Bowman told The Canadian Press. “Sort of the way our team has been. I don’t know if they performed really any differently than our forwards and our defense. We’re just not clicking as a group.”



<h2>Is goaltending really the Oilers’ biggest problem?</h2>



While fan criticism has zeroed in on the crease, Bowman suggested the issue runs deeper than netminding. “It would be clearer if goaltending was costing us games night after night, but that’s just not it,” he said. “We’ve had other things that have been costing us just as much.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251112_BUS_525240_stuart-skinner-1024x576_9a749033.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Stuart Skinner" class="wp-image-411819" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Stuart Skinner #74 of the Oilers tends net against the Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Edmonton has been here before—sluggish starts followed by dramatic playoff surges. But Bowman admitted this year’s squad has struggled to find the rhythm that fueled those past turnarounds. “We haven’t really had any consistent stretches,” he explained. “It’s win one, lose one, overtime loss, overtime win. We’re trying to find that.”


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<h2>McDavid’s determination shines amid struggles</h2>



If there’s a constant amid the inconsistency, it’s Connor McDavid. The captain once again carried the Oilers to a 5-4 overtime victory against the Blue Jackets, scoring two highlight-reel goals that left fans in awe.



Bowman couldn’t help but praise the superstar’s relentless mindset. “That singular focus which propels him every day,” he said. “He basically wasn’t going to let our team be denied. You read about it and you see it from a distance, but when you’re part of it up close, you realize — this guy’s something.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6914b0712d286e1484d5ea6a" data-title="Can the Oilers rebound from their shaky start under Stan Bowman’s leadership?" data-options="4"></div>


As Edmonton looks to steady itself and regain championship form, Bowman remains patient but firm. The Oilers’ next challenge lies in finding collective cohesion before the season’s midpoint—before another promising roster risks slipping back into old habits.

Oilers GM Stan Bowman shares candid thoughts on Connor McDavid and team’s rough start

NHL News: Oilers GM Stan Bowman delivers honest take on goaltending, Connor McDavid amid early-season struggles - Bolavip US

Oilers GM Bowman delivers honest take on goaltending, McDavid amid early-season struggles

NHL News: Oilers GM Stan Bowman delivers honest take on goaltending, Connor McDavid amid early-season struggles

The Edmonton Oilers, led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a>, staged a dramatic late rally at Rogers Place, coming from behind to secure a 5-4 overtime victory against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> on Monday. Trailing late in the third period, the team relied on its star captain to ignite the comeback, setting the stage for an overtime finish.



Jack Roslovic sealed the win 56 seconds into overtime after Jake Walman scored short-handed at 19:02 to tie the game. Walman’s shot deflected off Zach Werenski and found the back of the net past Jet Greaves, keeping the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a>’ comeback hopes alive.



“The group likes to put itself in a tough spot and just when you think it’s a tough spot, we go a little bit further,” Connor McDavid admitted, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-edmonton-oilers-game-recap-november-10-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “Then we decide it’s time to go. We stuck with it. We put ourselves in a tough spot, but we’re good at coming from behind.”



<h2>How did McDavid spark the comeback?</h2>



Down 4-2 in the third period, McDavid scored just 58 seconds in on an individual rush, spinning past Denton Mateychuk and backhanding the puck past Greaves. Later, he scored again to cut the deficit to one and energize the Oilers for the late push. McDavid now has four goals during his scoring streak and has extended his point streak to five games, totaling four goals and six assists.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">CONNOR MCDAVID DOING CONNOR MCDAVID THINGS 🤯 My goodness… <a href="https://t.co/j97ssfsmoI">pic.twitter.com/j97ssfsmoI</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1988090927588483373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Jake Walman and Roslovic each had an assist on the tying and overtime goals, while Stuart Skinner made 15 saves for Edmonton, ending a three-game skid (0-2-1).


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<h2>Coach praises McDavid’s determination</h2>



“Connor wasn’t going to let us lose tonight, he was so focused on getting the job done,” said Oilers coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kris-knoblauch">Kris Knoblauch</a>. “He had an incredible night, two fabulous goals, but there was just so much determination to his game.”


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NHL News: Oilers' Connor McDavid makes sincere admission after two third-period goals in OT win over Blue Jackets - Bolavip US

Oilers' McDavid makes sincere admission after two third-period goals in OT win over Blue Jackets

NHL News: Oilers’ Connor McDavid makes sincere admission after two third-period goals in OT win over Blue Jackets

A 6-6-4 start to the 2025-26 NHL season wasn’t what <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a> had in mind when re-signing with the Edmonton Oilers. As the organization wanders in the league, the captain took it upon himself to send a clear message across the locker room.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a> had hoped their bad start to the NHL campaign was only a phase. However, as McDavid and company have yet to figure things out, concerns are only growing louder around the Gateway to the North. Now, the best player in the league is taking matters into his own hands—or rather, into his mouth.



“Enough is enough here and we have to find a way to just put a good game together. We talk about in here [that] everybody is trying to bring something,” McDavid admitted, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. 



“Even if it’s not in your nature to be the loudest guy, you have to try a little bit. If it’s not in your nature to play a physical game, you have to try a little bit. We all have a hand in bringing just a little bit more emotionally, physically and just to our game as a whole. Everybody has a little bit more to give, and I expect everyone to have a good one.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251110_BUS_524123_connor-mcdavid-7-1-1024x576_399e0c2a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Connor McDavid in media day" class="wp-image-494459" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Connor McDavid during NHL Media Day ahead of the regular season</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mea culpa</h2>



With McDavid in town, Edmonton has grown accustomed to seeing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> and franchise records broken on a regular basis. However, all the Oilers managed after losing 9-1 to the Colorado Avalanche was tie the team’s all-time worst defeat. Following such a disheartening result, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-news-kris-knoblauch-fires-candid-message-to-connor-mcdavid-oilers-after-rout-by-avalanche" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">head coach Kris Knoblauch fired a candid message to the team</a>, and McDavid couldn’t stay idle any longer.


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Though McDavid’s admission includes a bold reminder for his teammates, the Oilers’ captain didn’t exempt himself from the ongoing situation. In times where Edmonton needs a hero, McDavid knows all eyes are upon him. Nothing farther from shying away, the 28-year-old star is embracing his responsibilities.


 

 


“It’s been flat. That starts with me as a leader,” McDavid commented on the Oilers’ performance. “There has maybe not been enough energy, not enough emotion, and we have to find a way to bring some of that into the game.”



<h2>Same old</h2>



Perhaps the biggest reason behind McDavid signing for $12.5 million per year was to give the Oilers enough flexibility to make moves and build a winning team around their star. However, that hasn’t been the case. 



Through 16 games this NHL season, McDavid leads the team with 22 points (5G, 17A). Leon Draisaitl (18), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (16), and Evan Bouchard (10) follow him. Beyond that, no other player has reached double digits in points, and only one—Jack Roslovic—has operated at a 0.5-point-per-game pace. 



Needless to say, Edmonton is stumbling over the same old stone once again. Much can be said about goaltending being the team’s kryptonite, but the lack of depth throughout the lineup is equally to blame—and the Oilers don’t seem to acknowledge it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251110_BUS_524123_connor-mcdavid-3-2-1024x576_9c4dea0b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Connor McDavid talks with media" class="wp-image-493176" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Connor McDavid during Hockey Canada’s 2025 National Teams Orientation Camp</figcaption></figure>



<h2>New day, new headache</h2>



With Zach Hyman yet to make his season debut and Knoblauch confirming that Nugent-Hopkins will be out for at least a week, the pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl’s shoulders only grows heavier. If the past two seasons haven’t provided enough evidence that this top-heavy approach doesn’t work, then nothing might send that message in Edmonton.



By the time the Oilers realize it and act accordingly, McDavid may no longer be under contract. The championship window is still open in Edmonton—but it has an expiration date: the summer of 2028, when McDavid’s two-year contract extension expires.

Connor McDavid’s contract with Edmonton Oilers: How much is he paid and how long will he stay?

NHL News: Connor McDavid issues loud wake-up call to Oilers teammates amid rough stretch - Bolavip US

McDavid issues loud wake-up call to Oilers teammates

Stuart Skinner, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a>, and the Edmonton Oilers are coming off one of the worst losses in franchise history. Following the 9-1 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche, the netminder in The Gateway to the North voiced a straightforward message about the team’s mission in the NHL.



It didn’t take long for Skinner to find himself in the eye of the storm in the 2025-26 NHL season. History has a way of repeating itself, and the starting goalie in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edmonton</a> has definitely learned that lesson. Still, after being pulled from the game against the Avalanche, there was nothing he could do to cancel out the noise.



Speaking on his performance so far in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign, Skinner steered away from his numbers. Instead, the experienced netminder aimed at McDavid and the rest of the team, dropping a concise admission.



“Its not about my save percentage. Its about my win column…the team’s win column,” Stuart Skinner stated, as reported by Sportsnet’s Gene Principe on X (formerly Twitter).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251110_BUS_523958_connor-mcdavid-1-1-1024x576_e04810e0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Connor McDavid walking in the tunnel" class="wp-image-509897" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Connor McDavid at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2025 in New York City.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Puzzled</h2>



Skinner remains a key piece of the puzzle in Edmonton. However, the goaltender has often shown different forms, and Oilers fans never seem to know which version of him they’ll get night in and night out. Against the Avalanche, Skinner didn’t make it past the second period—Kris Knoblauch pulled him after he conceded four goals on 13 shots. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-kris-knoblauch-fires-candid-message-to-connor-mcdavid-oilers-after-rout-by-avalanche"></div>


As a result, Skinner finished the game with a .692 save percentage, which dragged his season average even lower (.889), along with a 2.81 goals-against average. Skinner is tied for the fifth-worst save percentage among starting goaltenders—netminders with 10 or more starts so far this NHL season.



<h2>Clock’s ticking</h2>



Coming into the campaign, much was speculated around Edmonton’s starting goaltender. Though early in the season, the signs are far from encouraging so far. If the current trend in net extends deeper into the year, it might be safe to assume the Oilers will explore the market for a goalie.

NHL News: Edmonton Oilers teammate of Connor McDavid drops blunt reminder for the team

NHL News: Stuart Skinner puts Connor McDavid, Oilers on blast with blunt comment amid early season struggles in Edmonton - Bolavip US

Skinner puts McDavid, Oilers on blast with blunt comment

NHL News: Stuart Skinner puts Connor McDavid, Oilers on blast with blunt comment amid early season struggles in Edmonton

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