Oilers should explore trade for 6th ranked goalie in NHL after Stuart Skinner's struggles

Earlier this season, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson made public that he would waive his no-trade clause for Edmonton, giving the Oilers a very interesting option.

Stuart Skinner seems to be in another rut recently, with three losses in his last five games with a save percentage under .900. Last night against Washington, Skinner let in a weak second goal, and the Oilers ended up losing 3-2 while surrendering only 14 shots.

Skinner has worked to get his Dave percentage back up to an .899 this season, but he's clearly still not having his best year. What's worse, Calvin Pickard is struggling significantly.

Ranking 64 goalies that have played at least 10 games this season in goals saved above expected, Stuart Skinner ranks 43rd and Calvin Pickard 50th, according to MoneyPuck.

The only other teams with two goalies in the bottom third of Goals Saved Above Expected are the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and San Jose Sharks - that's not company that a Stanley Cup contender like the Oilers should be in.

The practical solution is pursuing an upgrade on Calvin Pickard, but with Evander Kane likely out until the playoffs and the salary cap rising next year, the Oilers have a chance to get more than just a better backup.

The Anaheim Ducks or a third team would need to retain the full 50% of salary, sending him to the Oilers for the next three seasons at an affordable price tag of $3.2M.

Gibson struggled for some years on a brutal rebuilding Ducks team, but this season looks bent on proving that he can be an elite goalie again - and he's only 31 years old.

John Gibson ranks 6th out of 64 goalies this season in Goals Saved Above Expected, and has a great .911 save percentage. He's the best option available to the Oilers.

If Anaheim is also looking to do right by their veteran goalie and deal him to a contending team per his wishes, it's possible he may not come at a major cost in trade. However, the salary retention could be costly.

The Oilers could be in a unique position to strike on a goalie trade of this size if John Klingberg can adequately play a top 4 role, and Kane doesn't return until the playoffs. Even then, it's possible the Oilers clear $3M in cap by trading Jeff Skinner.

The Oilers are a Stanley cup contending team with goaltending ranking in the bottom third of the NHL by most metrics. They deserve an upgrade on their biggest weakness. Stan Bowman should explore every possible option to strengthen the crease.