NHL analyst claims Oilers GM Stan Bowman prepared to pull trade trigger on $7.8M key player if right deal surfaces

The Edmonton Oilers lost 3-2 to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. They had an early two-goal lead but were unable to hold on, despite goalie Calvin Pickard making 19 saves. Pickard was in the net because of rotation, with main goalie Stuart Skinner having started the last three games.

After the loss, attention turned to the team’s goaltending situation, especially Skinner, who is in the last year of his $7.8 million contract. TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug said Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is ready to make a move if a trade becomes available.

"If a deal comes up that allows Stan Bowman to make a trade tomorrow that he knows is going to be an upgrade in net, and then [if] it involves moving on from Stuart Skinner, it's done. No question," Rishaug said on Oilers Now on 880 CHED.

"I don't think that deal is going to happen. I don't think that deal is there to be had. I don't think there would be a second's hesitation to do the deal if he knew he could improve that position tomorrow. Why would he hesitate?"

Rishaug also suggested a plan B, which would involve monitoring goalie Connor Ingram in the AHL.

"They're going to see what happens in the American Hockey League with Ingram. That is a possibility, right? Let that breathe, see what that is."

Rishaud said that in the meantime, the team will monitor Skinner's performance under the new goalie coach, Peter Aubry, who was hired in September.

"If, by December, January, it doesn't look like Skinner's ready to take a step, and it isn't very clear he's made improvements, ... [Bowman] He's going to have no choice."

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The Edmonton Oilers' continued struggle in the net

The Edmonton Oilers have lost four of their last six games, with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard struggling to guard the net.

Stuart Skinner has a 4-3-2 record with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. Calvin Pickard, the backup, is 2-2-1 with a 3.42 goals-against average and a .850 save percentage.

Goaltending remains a concern after last year’s Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers. Skinner had even struggled in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, but had taken the series to Game 7.