The conversation around goaltending in Edmonton is a controversial one. Portions of the fan base are split on whether they believe the duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard can guide the Oilers to the promised land.
Skinner and Pickard each played a role in Edmonton’s trip to the Stanley Cup Final last season, which helped earn the latter another contract as the team’s backup. This season, the duo has had its ups and downs, but, after 54 regular-season games, both have a save percentage over .900 and a goals-against average of less than 3.00.
Fans who are hoping for the Oilers to acquire a new goaltender are likely going to be disappointed. We asked Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli about whether Edmonton’s front office has or will look into goalie upgrades ahead of the March 7 trade deadline and the insider speculated that it isn’t a top priority for the club.
“I haven’t got the sense from the Oilers yet as to whether or not (goaltender) is a position they’d like to improve on,” Seravalli said on Oilersnation Everyday. “My guess would be, having not asked the question, given all the other things we’ve spoken about on the wishlist, it would probably be a fourth or fifth option.”
Seravalli released his latest trade targets board earlier this week. Only one goaltender appeared in the article: Calgary Flames netminder Dan Vladar, who has an .888 save percentage and a 3.07 goals-against average. He is ranked No. 27 on the list. He’s not an option for Edmonton, but Seravalli also wrote that “there isn’t a big goalie market this season mostly because so few teams (outside of Carolina) seem to be interested in a netminder.”
The goalie market typically isn’t active around the trade deadline. Jake Allen, a proven goaltender in the NHL, was the most notable name moved last season when he was traded to the New Jersey Devils. His availability via trade was well known in the buildup to the deadline, and he cost the Devils a conditional third-round pick with 50 percent of his salary retained. While not naming Allen directly, Seravalli did mention Edmonton could be interested if a team was willing to sell low on a goaltender.
“But with that said, I think this is a really unique year. Because there are so few teams looking for goaltending help, you might be able to add someone who could potentially provide insurance or at least a good feeling for you and your team, with a late to mid-round pick. This could be the year you find a bargain-basement option that helps you sleep a little better at night.”
Edmonton’s goaltending tandem seems to be one fans should get used to. As Seravalli said, it’s possible the Oilers could pursue an upgrade if a better player becomes available, but they would rather spend assets elsewhere.
