‘Certainly a Possibility’: Oilers’ Thorough Goaltending Market Evaluation May Ultimately Lead to Retaining Their Current Tandem for Upcoming Season

The Edmonton Oilers enter the offseason facing critical decisions, and perhaps none carry more weight than the future of their goaltending tandem. After falling short of their ultimate goal this past season, many expected the front office to aggressively explore upgrades in the crease. But as the NHL’s goalie market continues to take shape, Oilers general manager Ken Holland and the organization appear open to a surprising yet pragmatic outcome: keeping their current duo intact.

Speaking candidly during recent media availability, Holland acknowledged that while the team is surveying all available options, maintaining the status quo between the pipes remains “certainly a possibility.” That admission, subtle as it may be, signals that Edmonton’s brass is carefully balancing risk and reward as they map out next season’s blueprint.

The Oilers’ goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard played a pivotal role in their deep playoff run this year, one that fell just shy of Stanley Cup glory. While both netminders experienced moments of inconsistency, they also provided stretches of reliable play that helped solidify Edmonton’s defensive structure—long considered the team’s Achilles heel in recent years.

Skinner, the 25-year-old Edmonton native, shouldered the bulk of the workload during the regular season, posting a 35-15-5 record with a .909 save percentage and 2.62 goals-against average across 57 starts. Though not without blemishes, his sophomore campaign demonstrated growth, particularly under pressure down the stretch. His performance earned him the trust of head coach Kris Knoblauch, who continued to lean on Skinner during the postseason.

However, the playoffs revealed both the promise and perils of Edmonton’s current goaltending setup. Skinner battled through stretches of uneven play, leading to Pickard stepping in for key moments. The veteran journeyman, though largely considered a backup option, provided stability when called upon, compiling a 7-3-1 regular season record and performing admirably in spot starts.

Despite the ups and downs, Edmonton’s crease wasn’t the glaring liability many anticipated entering the season. In fact, both Skinner and Pickard combined to deliver respectable numbers, backed by improved defensive buy-in from the team’s core, including Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the blue line led by Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse.

Still, the question looms: can this tandem deliver when the stakes are at their absolute peak? The Oilers’ championship window, propelled by McDavid’s generational brilliance, is wide open—but opportunities at the summit don’t last forever. That reality fuels the internal debate within Edmonton’s front office about whether standing pat in goal is truly the wisest course.

Across the league, the goaltending market offers intriguing, albeit complicated, possibilities. Veteran names like Jacob Markström, Juuse Saros, and John Gibson have surfaced in trade rumors, with each bringing their own combination of pedigree, question marks, and hefty price tags. Acquiring an established, elite-caliber netminder would undoubtedly fortify Edmonton’s back end, yet the cost—both in terms of assets and cap flexibility—poses significant challenges.

Holland’s approach reflects both caution and calculated patience. Rather than making a knee-jerk move that jeopardizes roster depth or future draft capital, the Oilers are meticulously assessing every angle. The message is clear: if the right deal materializes, they’ll pursue it. But forcing a blockbuster trade or overcommitting to an aging goalie doesn’t align with Edmonton’s broader vision.

Compounding the decision is the faith the organization holds in Skinner’s long-term trajectory. A 2017 third-round pick and a product of the Oilers’ developmental system, Skinner has steadily ascended the ranks to earn his current role. His calm demeanor, work ethic, and competitive fire resonate within the locker room, making him a respected figure among teammates.

Moreover, Skinner’s team-friendly contract—carrying a $2.6 million cap hit for the next two seasons—affords Edmonton critical flexibility to allocate resources elsewhere. In a salary cap world where elite goaltending often comes with an $8 to $10 million price tag, retaining a competent, ascending starter on an affordable deal carries substantial strategic value.

Pickard, for his part, exceeded expectations as a reliable backup, providing insurance when Skinner faltered. Though unlikely to evolve into a true No. 1, his steady presence and professionalism make him a serviceable safety net. Together, the duo represents continuity, chemistry, and cap efficiency—a trio of attributes not easily dismissed.

For the Oilers’ brass, the calculus extends beyond raw statistics. The intangible factors—locker room dynamics, player development, and maintaining a cohesive identity—play crucial roles in shaping offseason moves. Disrupting that balance for an uncertain upgrade carries inherent risks, especially when considering the steep asking prices in today’s goalie market.

Furthermore, internal voices suggest the team’s defensive strides have lessened the burden on goaltending, allowing for a more holistic approach. Ekholm’s arrival, Evan Bouchard’s continued growth, and Nurse’s leadership have collectively bolstered Edmonton’s blue line structure. That evolution reduces the reliance on goaltending heroics, making stability in the crease a more viable path.

Still, the hockey world knows that postseason success often hinges on elite goaltending performances. Iconic Cup runs are littered with examples of netminders catching fire at the right time, elevating their teams beyond expectations. Whether Skinner can ascend to that level remains the defining question.

Holland’s measured stance reflects an understanding of that reality. The Oilers are prepared to explore external options aggressively, but only if the stars align. Rushing into a high-risk acquisition without clear long-term upside doesn’t align with the franchise’s calculated climb toward perennial contention.

Notably, cap considerations loom large. With McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nurse commanding significant contracts—and extensions for other core pieces on the horizon—Edmonton must navigate a delicate financial balancing act. Committing substantial resources to a goaltending upgrade could constrain the team’s ability to address other areas, from depth scoring to defensive reinforcements.

Thus, retaining Skinner and Pickard offers both short-term stability and long-term cap flexibility. It grants Skinner further runway to develop, while affording the organization breathing room to reassess at the trade deadline if necessary.

From the players’ perspective, continuity holds merit. Both Skinner and Pickard have established rapport with teammates and goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz. Disrupting that ecosystem risks unintended consequences, particularly in a locker room driven by tight-knit chemistry and shared belief.

Of course, standing pat requires mutual commitment. Skinner must continue progressing, building consistency, and embracing the heightened expectations that accompany life in Edmonton’s crease. Pickard, too, must remain ready to step in when called upon, knowing the margins for error shrink in a city starved for championship validation.

As the offseason unfolds, Edmonton’s goaltending situation remains fluid. The market will dictate possibilities, but internal confidence in the current tandem remains palpable. Holland’s comments underscore that while outside upgrades are on the radar, rolling into next season with Skinner and Pickard is far from a fallback—it’s a calculated, deliberate option rooted in the belief that continuity, development, and cap prudence can coexist with championship aspirations.

Ultimately, the Oilers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Their evaluation of the goaltending landscape will shape their approach, but for now, all signs point to a pragmatic stance: explore every avenue, but recognize the inherent value in trusting the tandem that helped guide Edmonton to the cusp of hockey’s summit. In Holland’s words, keeping that duo intact is “certainly a possibility”—and possibly, the wisest one.