Oilers Owner Could Pressure Team Into Goaltender Move: Analyst Warns Not to Make a Panic Trade

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Liam McCormick
November 14, 2024 (12:31)

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Goaltending has become a major topic of discussion for the Edmonton Oilers, and one analyst has raised the idea that Daryl Katz could push for a trade.

Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell explored the possibility of the team trading for Predators goaltender Juuse Saros, as both Oilers goalies have a save percentage below .900. Mitchell believes Katz may pressure the Oilers to make a move, but warns that it won't turn out well.

»For me, the anger towards Stuart Skinner is a good test for the organization. Daryl Katz is an owner who wants to win, and spends to the cap each season. Like all fans, he can get frustrated and I believe there have been times in the past when ownership pressured management to make roster decisions that were ill-advised.»
- Alan Mitchell, Lowetide

Mitchell suggests Saros as a trade option as an established goalie from a struggling team, but warns it's not a good idea to give up on Skinner's development and take on the cap constraints of Saros' deal while Edmonton needs to re-sign their own players.

However, it's extremely interesting to hear that Katz may be growing equally frustrated as fans with the Oilers posting a sub .900 save percentage, and goaltending obviously costing them wins. It will be on CEO Jeff Jackson to act as a barrier for the Oilers to not make any panic moves in net.

Mitchell is right that trading for a star goaltender with a larger contract now will seriously crunch the Oilers at a time where they need as much space as possible to re-sign Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard.

That said, if a quality tandem option becomes available to run alongside Stuart Skinner at a reduced price, that would be a welcome addition for Edmonton - someone like former Oilers goalie Anthony Stolarz would've been perfect. Skinner's struggles and side to side movement are becoming so evident now, that teams are clearly taking advantage of his weakness.

We'll see how the Oilers goaltending continues to play out, but if they remain under the .900 threshold for much longer, the Oilers will have a goaltending crisis on their hands.