Oilers sign goalie to tryout contract, make decision on calling up top prospect
Photo credit: USA Today
General manager Stan Bowman along with head coach Kris Knoblauch appears to be testing the Oilers depths in goal after starting goaltender Stuart Skinner left the team for personal reasons as he is welcoming his new child into the world.
On January 21st, the Oilers decided to call up Elk Valley hockey player Tyler Palmer to backup Stuart Skinner during the game against the Washington Capitals as Pickard was absent due to illness.
This means the Oilers won't be calling up Olivier Rodrigue, the team's top goalie prospect in the AHL.
Oilers gave lifelong Oilers fan an experience of a lifetime for Palmer
The Oilers signed Palmer to an official amateur tryout and published the news moments ago.
Palmer spoke about Sitting on the bench with his favorite team being part of the experience and that it was a thrilling one to say the least.
"It turned out it wasn't the case, but it was still a really cool experience to get that call and still be able to watch the game and get to go back into the team's area," he said.
"I was pretty excited, pretty nervous," he added. - Tyler Palmer Elk Valley call up
"I was pretty excited, pretty nervous," he added. - Tyler Palmer Elk Valley call up
Currently Palmer is ranked in the top three for goaltenders in Canada West League. Hopefully he isn't called upon to play, but his stats are promising for an undrafted young goalie.
Oilers may call up Condors Olivier Rodrigue with Skinner absent
It was confirmed by broadcaster Jack Michaels that Stuart Skinner was missing from practice do to the expected birth of their child which will give an opportunity for the Oilers to potentially call up Bakersfield condors goaltender Olivier Rodrigue.
https://x.com/NHL_Bouchard/status/1873511105425007031
https://x.com/NHL_Bouchard/status/1873511105425007031
Olivier Rodrigue has been top 10 in AHL save percentage for 2 years. Enough is enough give him a chance or another team will
While the Oilers have called an emergency goaltender currently, it's a strong possibility that the team will look at Rodrigue to fill the role with Pickard taking over the starting role until Skinner can return.
Rodrigue has been decent for the condors this season as he has played 25 games, with a record of 13-9-3 along with a goal against of 2.82 and a save percentage of .910.
Many feel that he should be given a chance to play with the Oilers to see what he could do at the National Hockey League level as he has yet to start for the team in a regular season game.
The Oilers have six games remaining in their schedule before the Four Nations face off break takes place and would be a good time to see if Rodrigue could handle a game or two and give Pickard a chance to rest.
The Oilers next game will take place tonight January 27th at 9:30 PM against the Seattle Kraken.
Source: Tofinio-Ucluelet Westerly News
B.C hockey player called to ice as backup for Oilers
B.C hockey player called to ice as backup for Oilers
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27 | 315 ANSWERS Oilers sign goalie to tryout contract, make decision on calling up top prospect Should the Oilers give AHL goalie Olivier Rodrigue a chance to play a few games this season? | ||
| Yes | 233 | 74 % |
| No | 82 | 26 % |
| List of polls | ||
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