The Edmonton Oilers are facing renewed pressure just a couple of games into the 2025-26 NHL season. On Wednesday night, they opened their campaign against the Calgary Flames, jumping out to a 3-0 lead before collapsing and losing 4-3 in a shootout.
Stuart Skinner, the starter in goal, didn’t do much to silence his critics. He let in three goals on 22 shots and gave up a pair in the shootout. One misplay in the third, where he failed to clear a loose puck, allowed Calgary to tie things up and left Oilers fans shaking their heads.
Are the Oilers Running Out of Time to Fix Their Goaltending?
The Calgary loss has amplified trade rumors surrounding the Oilers’ goaltending situation. Fans and insiders alike are questioning whether Skinner can continue as the team’s starter, or if a shake-up is on the horizon.
So far, Edmonton hasn’t been able to make any cap-related moves. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the team “hasn’t been able to do anything else cap-wise” and won’t have financial flexibility until next summer, when $15 million is expected to free up. Until then, the Oilers are limited in their ability to make upgrades, including in net.
After the game, Skinner called it “an easy fix“, but for fans, the damage was already done. Head coach Kris Knoblauch admitted the team got sloppy after building a solid lead. While not directly blaming Skinner, his comments echoed the mounting concern that goaltending could be Edmonton’s Achilles heel once again.
Behind the scenes, the Oilers are keeping a close eye on newly acquired goaltender Connor Ingram. However, he’s not quite ready for NHL action. Ingram spent much of last season away from the game after entering the NHL Player Assistance program. Now, Edmonton wants him to get at least 10 starts in the AHL before considering a call-up.
Social media has exploded with potential trade scenarios. From Elvis Merzlikins to Juuse Saros, fans have put together wishlists of available or potentially available goalies. However, the Oilers’ current cap situation makes acquiring a high-salary starter challenging, unless salary retention or a creative trade is involved.
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Internally, the Oilers are trying to stay patient. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported that the organization has committed to giving Skinner time, but also made it clear he’s on the clock. Despite posting solid numbers in his rookie season, Skinner’s performance has declined year over year.
Last season, he registered a .896 save percentage and allowed 5.3 more goals than expected. In the playoffs? Things got worse, with a .892 save percentage over 50 games.
Oilers Goaltending Situation Reaches a Tipping Point
The plan, for now, is to let Skinner play through it. But with fan sentiment turning, pressure from media growing, and the team’s championship window wide open, the Oilers may not have the luxury of time.
If Ingram finds form quickly in the AHL, he could force the team’s hand. At his best, he posted a .907 save percentage with the Coyotes, a solid mark, especially behind a struggling team.
Until then, Calvin Pickard gets the next shot in goal. And if that doesn’t pan out, GM Stan Bowman may be forced into a move before the team falls too far behind. The Oilers have already lost two Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back years — they can’t afford to let goaltending be the reason it happens again.
