Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I&#8217;ve got a fresh mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re talking about John Klingberg&#8217;s debut, Oilers&#8217; trade deadline needs, goaltending consistency, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<div class="mceTemp"></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
John Klingberg makes his Oilers debut tonight vs. DET. 
Paired with Mattias Ekholm in warm up. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oilers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oilers</a> <a href="https://t.co/yKX1jE4plL">pic.twitter.com/yKX1jE4plL</a>
&mdash; Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyBrarOTV/status/1885140631011602800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
1) Mason asks &#8211; Can we get some way-too-early first impressions of <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/01/30/getting-to-know-defenceman-john-klingberg-ahead-of-his-debut-with-the-oilers/">John Klingberg</a> from everybody? How did the first couple of games look to you?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Well, first off I wish he would have stayed onside against Toronto. That would have been nice. In his first game, I thought he did a good job of just not making any mistakes. That wasn&#8217;t the case against Toronto. He made a few too many errors at the offensive blueline and struggled defending the rush at times. He looked like a player who hasn&#8217;t played in a 14 months. I&#8217;m willing to be patient though and give him time to shake off the rust.
Liam Horrobin:
Klingberg can still skate and has those offensive instincts that helped him have all that success years ago. I like him. Is he a solution? Let&#8217;s wait and see.
Baggedmilk:
He&#8217;s rusty. Of course he is. My hope for him is that he would be quiet and mostly unnoticeable, and I think he did a reasonable job of making that happen outside of a few glaring mistakes. One thing you can definitely see, though, is how talented Klingberg is at moving the puck.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-158283" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edmonton-Oilers-GM-Stan-Bowman-Press-Conference-1024x611.png" alt="Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman" width="1024" height="611" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edmonton-Oilers-GM-Stan-Bowman-Press-Conference-1024x611.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edmonton-Oilers-GM-Stan-Bowman-Press-Conference-300x179.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edmonton-Oilers-GM-Stan-Bowman-Press-Conference-768x458.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edmonton-Oilers-GM-Stan-Bowman-Press-Conference-1536x917.png 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edmonton-Oilers-GM-Stan-Bowman-Press-Conference.png 1598w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
2) Brent asks &#8211; Are the Oilers set for forwards at the deadline, or do you think Stan Bowman will look for another upgrade somewhere?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think he will look too add a little bit more depth to the bottom-six. I would prefer a centreman with some size and scoring ability. They&#8217;re probably pretty set on the wings considering Evander Kane should be back at some point, so I&#8217;d like to see them add one more piece down the middle.
Liam Horrobin:
I think he should add another bottom six forward that can push into the top six if needed. Too many guys have struggled to score consistently this year so I&#8217;d like to add another guy to keep the competition high. I like the idea of Jason Dickinson from Chicago.
Baggedmilk:
I could see him trying to upgrade the 4C position. Noah Philp is still very fresh and raw, so I could see him trying to upgrade that position with a veteran presence. Outside of that? Your guess is as good as mine.
<figure id="attachment_166939" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166939" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-166939" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24452375-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers goaltenders Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24452375-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24452375-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24452375-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24452375-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24452375-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-166939" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 9, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) replaces goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) after he gave up 5 goals on 13 shots against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Michael asks &#8211; Keep seeing lots on the Oilers&#8217; goaltending consistency. Do you think there actually is a consistency issue? Do you think the Oilers need to add another goalie, if even for depth issues in case of injury, etc., going into the playoffs?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
An extra layer of depth doesn&#8217;t hurt, although they did sign Colin Delia in the summer, but I really do think they&#8217;re okay. Pickard proved last year that he can step up in the playoffs if Skinner faulters and I&#8217;m also willing to bet that Skinner has his best playoff run this spring. He&#8217;s still a very young goalie and I like to think that the experience he&#8217;s gained over the last two springs will help him. I wouldn&#8217;t trade for a goalie unless a perfect scenario fell into their lap.
Liam Horrobin:
Can they upgrade? Yes. Will they? I don&#8217;t think so. Overall, Skinner has been fine this season but on Saturday they needed him to make a save or two and he wasn&#8217;t able to provide that. I believe Skinner is capable of helping win the Oilers a Stanley Cup; however, more consistency is going to be needed from now until the trade deadline to prove that to other fans. That&#8217;s fans have the right to be upset with his performances after struggling against Washington, Toronto and Pittsburgh recently. With that said, Skinner was solid from the Oilers in the playoffs last season in those do-or-die games so I am willing to believe he can repeat that.
Baggedmilk:
I could see them trying to find a veteran third to play behind Skinner and Pickard. I guess it depends how the organization feels about Olivier Rodrigue&#8217;s ability to be that guy after posting a 2.82 GAA and .910 save percentage in Bakersfield this year.
<figure id="attachment_158327" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-158327" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-158327" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22688143-1024x683.jpg" alt="Connor McDavid Sidney Crosby" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22688143-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22688143-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22688143-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22688143-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22688143-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-158327" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 3, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (87) and Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) follow the play during the third period at Rogers Place.</figcaption></figure>
4) Geoff asks &#8211; I can&#8217;t see to get excited about the upcoming <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/01/30/connor-mcdavid-and-mattias-ekholm-named-assistant-captains-for-upcoming-4-nations-face-off/">4 Nations Face-Off</a>, and I&#8217;m wondering where everyone is at with the tourney? Are you excited? Why? If not, what does the NHL need to do better to get people behind this tournament?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I&#8217;m definitely excited, but not as excited as I would be if this was an Olympic tournament. I think I just need to see the players actually on the ice and showing that they&#8217;re going hard. Once the first game or so goes down, I think people will start to get excited.
Liam Horrobin:
Have no excitement about it right now but once the puck drops I&#8217;ll be cheering on Canada. At the end of the day, the NHL gave the players and fans a best on best tournament in the most realistic way they could. Yes, Czechia and Slovakia have great NHL players but not enough to make a team. I say let&#8217;s just push aside the negative on players that aren&#8217;t there and celebrate the great players that are going.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m not excited about it at all, to be honest. I think my own excitement about the tournament will start to ramp up a little bit in the days leading up to kick off, but right now, I just see it as a made up event with no history. Yes, I want to see McDavid play with Crosby — I&#8217;m legitimately looking forward to that — but everything else is very meh. A lot of the best players in the NHL aren&#8217;t even competing in this thing, so I don&#8217;t know how you can call it best on best.
<figure id="attachment_168572" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-168572" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-168572" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_18601713-1024x683.jpg" alt="Colorado Avalanche Carolina Hurricanes Mikko Rantanen" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_18601713-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_18601713-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_18601713-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_18601713-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_18601713-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-168572" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 26, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates with the Stanley Cup after the Avalanche game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
5) Gregg asks &#8211; Do you think other contending teams will feel the pressure to make a splash after Carolina <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/01/25/forget-the-blackhawks-the-colorado-avalanche-are-the-big-losers-in-the-mikko-rantanen-trade/">picked up Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall</a> last week?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I&#8217;m sure other contending teams are feeling pressure, but I&#8217;m not sure if the Rantanen deal is going to add anymore. The trade market seems really weird right now. There aren&#8217;t a lot of straight up sellers and that means prices will likely be very high. For the Oilers, I don&#8217;t think the Canes adding a big piece changes their plans at all. Now, if the Golden Knights were to do something, then it&#8217;s a different story.
Liam Horrobin:
They can feel the pressure all they won&#8217;t but I don&#8217;t see anything coming close to a Mikko Rantanen trade again this season. Yes, JT Miller got moved but we all saw that coming. The next top free agent available is Mitch Marner and there&#8217;s a zero percentage chance he gets moved. The GMs are going to feel pressure in general as the deadline approaches, not just because Carolina took a swing on future Oiler Mikko Rantanen.
Baggedmilk:
Clearly other teams are trying to get things done early after that massive trade from last week. The Canucks pulled off two whoppers on Friday night, and you have to think the Rangers pulled the trigger on that Miller deal to try and give their bolstered roster more time to make some news. My biggest question is going to be whether there are any trades left at the deadline.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME-300x166.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

GDB Stan Bowman Edmonton Oilers photoshop

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I've got a fresh mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we're talking about John Klingberg's debut, Oilers' trade deadline needs, goaltending consistency, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.


<div class="mceTemp"></div>
https://twitter.com/TonyBrarOTV/status/1885140631011602800

1) Mason asks - Can we get some way-too-early first impressions of <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/01/30/getting-to-know-defenceman-john-klingberg-ahead-of-his-debut-with-the-oilers/">John Klingberg</a> from everybody? How did the first couple of games look to you?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Well, first off I wish he would have stayed onside against Toronto. That would have been nice. In his first game, I thought he did a good job of just not making any mistakes. That wasn't the case against Toronto. He made a few too many errors at the offensive blueline and struggled defending the rush at times. He looked like a player who hasn't played in a 14 months. I'm willing to be patient though and give him time to shake off the rust.

Liam Horrobin:

Klingberg can still skate and has those offensive instincts that helped him have all that success years ago. I like him. Is he a solution? Let's wait and see.

Baggedmilk:

He's rusty. Of course he is. My hope for him is that he would be quiet and mostly unnoticeable, and I think he did a reasonable job of making that happen outside of a few glaring mistakes. One thing you can definitely see, though, is how talented Klingberg is at moving the puck.

<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-158283" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edmonton-Oilers-GM-Stan-Bowman-Press-Conference-1024x611.png" alt="Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman" width="1024" height="611" />

2) Brent asks - Are the Oilers set for forwards at the deadline, or do you think Stan Bowman will look for another upgrade somewhere?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I think he will look too add a little bit more depth to the bottom-six. I would prefer a centreman with some size and scoring ability. They're probably pretty set on the wings considering Evander Kane should be back at some point, so I'd like to see them add one more piece down the middle.

Liam Horrobin:

I think he should add another bottom six forward that can push into the top six if needed. Too many guys have struggled to score consistently this year so I'd like to add another guy to keep the competition high. I like the idea of Jason Dickinson from Chicago.

Baggedmilk:

I could see him trying to upgrade the 4C position. Noah Philp is still very fresh and raw, so I could see him trying to upgrade that position with a veteran presence. Outside of that? Your guess is as good as mine.

[caption id="attachment_166939" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-166939" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_24452375-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers goaltenders Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 9, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) replaces goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) after he gave up 5 goals on 13 shots against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Michael asks - Keep seeing lots on the Oilers' goaltending consistency. Do you think there actually is a consistency issue? Do you think the Oilers need to add another goalie, if even for depth issues in case of injury, etc., going into the playoffs?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

An extra layer of depth doesn't hurt, although they did sign Colin Delia in the summer, but I really do think they're okay. Pickard proved last year that he can step up in the playoffs if Skinner faulters and I'm also willing to bet that Skinner has his best playoff run this spring. He's still a very young goalie and I like to think that the experience he's gained over the last two springs will help him. I wouldn't trade for a goalie unless a perfect scenario fell into their lap.

Liam Horrobin:

Can they upgrade? Yes. Will they? I don't think so. Overall, Skinner has been fine this season but on Saturday they needed him to make a save or two and he wasn't able to provide that. I believe Skinner is capable of helping win the Oilers a Stanley Cup; however, more consistency is going to be needed from now until the trade deadline to prove that to other fans. That's fans have the right to be upset with his performances after struggling against Washington, Toronto and Pittsburgh recently. With that said, Skinner was solid from the Oilers in the playoffs last season in those do-or-die games so I am willing to believe he can repeat that.

Baggedmilk:

I could see them trying to find a veteran third to play behind Skinner and Pickard. I guess it depends how the organization feels about Olivier Rodrigue's ability to be that guy after posting a 2.82 GAA and .910 save percentage in Bakersfield this year.

[caption id="attachment_158327" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-158327" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22688143-1024x683.jpg" alt="Connor McDavid Sidney Crosby" width="1024" height="683" /> Mar 3, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (87) and Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) follow the play during the third period at Rogers Place.[/caption]

4) Geoff asks - I can't see to get excited about the upcoming <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/01/30/connor-mcdavid-and-mattias-ekholm-named-assistant-captains-for-upcoming-4-nations-face-off/">4 Nations Face-Off</a>, and I'm wondering where everyone is at with the tourney? Are you excited? Why? If not, what does the NHL need to do better to get people behind this tournament?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I'm definitely excited, but not as excited as I would be if this was an Olympic tournament. I think I just need to see the players actually on the ice and showing that they're going hard. Once the first game or so goes down, I think people will start to get excited.

Liam Horrobin:

Have no excitement about it right now but once the puck drops I'll be cheering on Canada. At the end of the day, the NHL gave the players and fans a best on best tournament in the most realistic way they could. Yes, Czechia and Slovakia have great NHL players but not enough to make a team. I say let's just push aside the negative on players that aren't there and celebrate the great players that are going.

Baggedmilk:

I'm not excited about it at all, to be honest. I think my own excitement about the tournament will start to ramp up a little bit in the days leading up to kick off, but right now, I just see it as a made up event with no history. Yes, I want to see McDavid play with Crosby — I'm legitimately looking forward to that — but everything else is very meh. A lot of the best players in the NHL aren't even competing in this thing, so I don't know how you can call it best on best.

[caption id="attachment_168572" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-168572" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_18601713-1024x683.jpg" alt="Colorado Avalanche Carolina Hurricanes Mikko Rantanen" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 26, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates with the Stanley Cup after the Avalanche game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

5) Gregg asks - Do you think other contending teams will feel the pressure to make a splash after Carolina <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/01/25/forget-the-blackhawks-the-colorado-avalanche-are-the-big-losers-in-the-mikko-rantanen-trade/">picked up Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall</a> last week?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I'm sure other contending teams are feeling pressure, but I'm not sure if the Rantanen deal is going to add anymore. The trade market seems really weird right now. There aren't a lot of straight up sellers and that means prices will likely be very high. For the Oilers, I don't think the Canes adding a big piece changes their plans at all. Now, if the Golden Knights were to do something, then it's a different story.

Liam Horrobin:

They can feel the pressure all they won't but I don't see anything coming close to a Mikko Rantanen trade again this season. Yes, JT Miller got moved but we all saw that coming. The next top free agent available is Mitch Marner and there's a zero percentage chance he gets moved. The GMs are going to feel pressure in general as the deadline approaches, not just because Carolina took a swing on future Oiler Mikko Rantanen.

Baggedmilk:

Clearly other teams are trying to get things done early after that massive trade from last week. The Canucks pulled off two whoppers on Friday night, and you have to think the Rangers pulled the trigger on that Miller deal to try and give their bolstered roster more time to make some news. My biggest question is going to be whether there are any trades left at the deadline.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" />

Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Monday Mailbag: What upgrades do the Oilers need at the trade deadline?

Recent articles from baggedmilk

Breaking News