Oilers Nearing a Goalie Change? Talk of Lateral Move Heats Up

The conversation around the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending has taken another sharp turn, and insiders are starting to wonder if a lateral goalie move — even without a true upgrade — might now be on the table simply to shake things up. In the latest 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman hinted that the organization may be reaching a breaking point.

---

For months, the Oilers’ internal stance has been consistent: Stuart Skinner carries a $2.6 million cap hit on a cap-tight roster, and making him work was always the priority. The organization believed they had two capable goaltenders at a solid price point. Unfortunately, this season has shown that neither seems up to the task of helping carry this Oilers roster to a winning record and, eventually, a playoff run that leads to a Stanley Cup. The Oilers weren’t closed off to a goalie change, but any potential move, they believed, had to be a clear upgrade. This was especially true after burning assets on previous trades.

But that philosophy may be shifting.

Skinner’s Situation In Gets Ugly

After Tuesday’s 8–3 collapse against Dallas, the tone around the team changed dramatically. Friedman suggested Edmonton now has to ask, “Is it just best for everyone to move on?” TSN’s Ryan Rishaug added fuel on Bob Stauffer’s Oilers Now show, hinting he doesn’t expect Skinner to finish the season in Edmonton, a follow-up to previous comments that if a trade was there to be made, the Oilers would certainly make it.

Skinner, meanwhile, is doing his best to push negative thoughts aside. While he is clearly feeling the weight and was asked directly about how much it hurts knowing fans want a different goalie in he acknowledged the emotional grind of the position, saying it’s something he chose when he decided to be a goalie. Skinner didn’t deny that he has to play better for the team, but he also didn’t hint that he’s looking to leave or wants a fresh start.

That’s something others are theorizing, and the noise from analysts and insiders is starting to become so loud that it’s hard to ignore.

Are the Oilers Ready To Make a Change for the Sake of Change?

The Oilers won’t let Skinner go without a fight, even if some believe this team no longer trusts him to backstop them to the promised land. Skinner noted there’s a brotherhood inside the room, stressing the Oilers aren’t pointing fingers. “We’re in the business of lifting each other up,” he noted. He said it’s a culture this group has created.

The question now becomes whether management believes this culture needs changing.

Whether Edmonton seeks stability or change, the conversation is no longer hypothetical. With insiders openly suggesting a trade is coming, Skinner’s future in Edmonton is suddenly the biggest story on the Oilers’ board — and the clock may already be ticking.

Next: Insider Reveals Potential Snag in Oilers-Blues Trade Talks