The Edmonton Oilers found themselves in the spotlight after a humiliating 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. It was their worst defeat in years; their last came in January 2009, a 10-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
A central talking point from the blowout was goaltender Stuart Skinner. After allowing four goals, he was pulled in for Calvin Pickard. It marked the fourth time this season that Skinner has been replaced due to inconsistent play. Those who witnessed the fiasco have not been pleased with it since.
Who are Oilers Fans Calling the $36 Million Goalie Target to replace Stuart Skinner?
As frustration builds in Edmonton, fans are eyeing Jordan Binnington as a possible upgrade in goal. The Blues netminder, in year five of his six-year, $36 million deal, has surfaced in trade rumors after insider Frank Seravalli reported that GM Doug Armstrong is “open for business” with St. Louis sitting last in the Central Division.
Oilers fans took to social media to express their desire to see Binnington in Edmonton. One fan wrote that Binnington could be a perfect fit: “Oilers can buy low on Jordan Binnington. He is the perfect goalie for a team that has lost its swagger. A fiery goalie who can play the puck. I know his stats are not great but considering what else is on market and cost, Jordan Binnington is a reasonable upgrade.”
Another fan suggested a deal that would send Binnington and forward Nick Bjugstad to Edmonton in exchange for Stuart Skinner, Trent Frederic, Ty Emberson, and several draft picks. “Who says no? St Louis #Blues trade: Jordan Binnington (G) $6M, Nick Bjugstad (FW) $1.75M ($7.75M). To the Edmonton #Oilers for: Stuart Skinner (G) $2.6M, Trent Fredrick (FW) $3.85M, Ty Emberson (D) $1.3M, $7.75M + Draft picks (multiple)”
A fan kept it simple, posting a comment: “Binnington to the Oilers”. One fan took the trade talk to an extreme, suggesting a blockbuster deal that would send Jordan Binnington, Jordan Kyrou, and Pavel Buchnevich to the Oilers in exchange for Stuart Skinner, Darnell Nurse, and Mattias Janmark. The comment, “make it happen, Stan”, shows the fan’s frustration and desire for significant roster changes after the team’s rough start.
Meanwhile, a fan speculated that a three-way trade: “Something will happen where Binner goes to Edm. I have a feeling the Sharks 1st first-round pick that once belonged to Edm will also play in this deal as a three-way deal.” One fan was more skeptical, “Binnington already said no to waiving to Edmonton,” pointing out that Binnington might not be interested in waiving his clause to join Edmonton.
Whether or not the Blues actually make Binnington available, and if the Oilers decide to take that gamble, remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: goaltending has quickly become Edmonton’s most significant question mark of the season.
