Oilers GM Stan Bowman answers goalie plans before the trade deadline
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The Edmonton Oilers clear position of weakness on their roster is their goaltending, but GM Stan Bowman has reiterated that they won't trade for a goalie.
The Oilers have struggled with their goaltending lately, with Coach Knoblauch calling out Stuart Skinner twice this month. Before a crucial playoff run this year, the goalies need to be better.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman says Edmonton will not pursue goalie trade this season
NHL insider Frank Seravalli has an upcoming interview with Stan Bowman soon to be released, in which the Oilers General Manager said the team would be sticking with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard for the playoffs.
Additionally, Seravalli mentioned the Oilers will likely only have the cap room for one trade - and it may not big a big one.
I think only have room for one deal. That's it. One trade...I did tape a podcast with Stan Bowman on Friday and..said 'just for clarity, there seems to be some thought out there that you might get a goalie during trade deadline' and he said no.
Of course, it wouldn't be in Stan Bowman's interest to announce to the media that he's looking to trade for a goaltender. It still may be possible, especially after seeing the poor performances lately, but earlier this year Bowman staunchly defended Skinner as a winner.
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
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
Edmonton Oilers still need to trade for goalie despite Bowman comments
Regardless of what the General Manager says, goaltending is the relative weak point of the Oilers roster. Especially against contending teams, both Oilers goaltenders have performed below replacement level this season.
The Oilers need a tandem option to ride alongside Stuart Skinner. Adding another goalie will give the Oilers another option if Skinner loses his game, but also provide reasonable insurance if one drops out with injury. Right now, if the Oilers had to play Pickard in the playoffs, they'd be toast.
Hopefully the GM's comments are just posturing for the media, otherwise, the Oilers will be heading into the playoffs in year 10 of Connor McDavid's career with below average goaltending - again.
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