NHL Rumors: Oilers GM Stan Bowman hesitant to pull the trigger on goalie trades despite Stuart Skinner problem

The Edmonton Oilers continue to look at the goalie market, but General Manager Stan Bowman is not ready to make a trade. The Oilers sit at 9-7-4 and continue to search for better performance in the net. Their team's save percentage is .867 through the first quarter of the season, and they are allowing 3.40 goals per game.

Speaking on Wednesday's episode of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said Bowman has checked on available goalies. He noted the team feels the cost is too high right now.

"I do think the Oilers have looked at all this, they look at things like what it’s going to cost to get someone," Friedman said. "For the trades [GM Stan Bowman] thinks he can make… he doesn’t think it’s worth it."

Stuart Skinner, their main goalie, remains at the center of the discussion. He made 33 saves in a 4-3 overtime win against the Hurricanes on Saturday. Edmonton had a 2-0 lead before Carolina pushed back with heavy pressure. Skinner helped the Oilers reach overtime despite being outshot 36-23. He then earned the win when Leon Draisaitl scored 19 seconds into overtime.

Skinner has won three straight starts and has only one regulation loss in his last eight games. He has a 5-1-2 record in that stretch but still holds a 3.13 goals-against average. His save percentage sits at .891, which remains below league average. Backup Calvin Pickard has also struggled this season. He has a 4.17 goals-against average and an .830 save percentage.

Oilers GM avoided putting blame on Stuart Skinner & Pickard

On Tuesday, Stan Bowman himself spoke about the team’s overall performance. He said the entire team has not played to their standard this season, and described the goaltending as average rather than a major issue.

"Our goalies have been average, [they] haven't been elite and they haven't been bad," Bowman said during his interview with 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 defence. We're just not clicking as a group. That position gets more attention. I'm not sure it's more of a problem."

Bowman said the entire team has been inconsistent at times. He seems focused on internal improvement rather than a quick fix. He believes the team can work through the issues with the current group. For now, Edmonton will stay patient and continue to monitor the trade market.