Oilers GM Stan Bowman addresses goalie trade rumours, takes strong stance on Stuart Skinner
The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to goalie trades for years, but new GM Stan Bowman is making a strong vote of confidence for Stuart Skinner, and pouring cold water on any ideas of trade for the crease.
Earlier today, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed John Gibson would waive his no trade clause for Edmonton, but he wouldn't want to play in a tandem with Stuart Skinner.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman shuts down goalie trade rumours, backs Stuart Skinner as Stanley Cup calibre goalie
While speaking to the Athletic in a new interview released today, Bowman said criticism around Stuart Skinner is unfair, and that he fully believes in their goaltending being able to win a Cup. Bowman even fully denied looking at goalie trades.
It's just the randomness of fans or the media. I just look at: How is he performing? From November on, he's been very consistent. He's been a very good goalie. Goalies always have a goal here and there you don't like.
Well, we're going to look at every option for improving. But I would say no. That's not a big issue with our team.
- Stan Bowman
Bowman is giving a major vote of confidence to a goaltending duo that has been statistically very average this season - like the Oilers goaltending always is.
Stan Bowman's comments on Oilers goaltending completely miss the mark
After getting off to a poor start this year, Skinner is back to a respectable .900 save percentage. However, that's now 3 straight years his save percentage has declined, and this year Skinner is struggling mightily against all top 10 NHL teams.
Out of 92 goalies to play in the NHL this season, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard rank 61st and 74th, respectively. That puts the Oilers goaltending near the bottom third of the NHL.
On the other hand, the Oilers superstars are driving a top 5 offence, and playing complete hockey to also be a top 5 defensive team. It's very clear their sole area of weakness is goaltending.
Stan Bowman may just be trying to downplay his desire to acquire a goalie to the trade market, because otherwise these comments seem intentionally obtuse.
On the whole, the Oilers general manager is signalling that depth adds on the fringes of the roster can be expected at the trade deadline - not likely a big trade. Once again, in year 10 of Connor McDavid without a Stanley Cup, the Oilers won't be going all in at the trade deadline.
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