The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun posted a column on Friday focused on what the Edmonton Oilers might do at this season’s NHL Trade Deadline. Saying they’re right in the mix and a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, LeBrun asked what a team with no glaring holes can or should do. One topic of discussion was a possible upgrade in goal, and LeBrun confirmed that a veteran netminder would be open to joining Edmonton.
LeBrun writes, “I do believe John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks would waive his no-trade clause to go to Edmonton. So there’s that. But it sure doesn’t sound like Bowman sees goaltending as an area of concern.”
The NHL insider talked about how well Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have played for the Oilers this season. He wondered if Gibson would even be an upgrade over either netminder. There would be debate on that, depending on which fan you ask, but it sounds like the Oilers don’t see a need to go out and add a goalie.
“Our goalies have been great (since November),” GM Stan Bowman said in a conversation with LeBrun. He added, “Calvin Pickard is 10-1 in his last 11 games. And Skinner’s been excellent, too. Based on the performance of the team and their performance individually, they’ve done a really good job for us.”
Bowman Not Sure Where Skinner Concern and Goalie Rumors Come From
When discussing the idea of adding another, he talked about speculation that the team might be worried Skinner isn’t good enough. It’s an odd sentiment, considering he got the Oilers to within one game of a Stanley Cup win last season.
“So, I’m not sure where that comes from. … We certainly believe in both of them, and we think they’ve been a big part of why our team has been so consistent over the last several months here.”
As for talks with Gibson, there are no reports those discussions have ever even happened. And, it would be safe to assume they haven’t, at least not since the start of the season. The Oilers are and have been comfortable with their goalies for a while. Why call around if the idea is to focus on a depth forward or potentially depth on the blue line?
Next: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Leafs, Flames & Canucks
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