NHL free agency starts the Wednesday and the Edmonton Oilers still have a hole between the pipes that needs to be filled.
The Edmonton Oilers have been trying to add a solid starting goalie for the last several offseasons. Two years ago they missed out on Jacob Markstrom when he chose to sign with the Calgary Flames.
Last year they missed out on Darcy Kuemper, as they weren’t willing to give up as much as the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes. I’m not saying if the Edmonton Oilers had Kuemper that they would have won the cup, but it wouldn’t have hurt their chances.
On Wednesday Ken Holland cannot come out of that day without a starting goalie. The last couple seasons they have had Mike Smith and Mikko Koskienen to fall back on, this season they don’t.
Mike Smith may not be able to play this season due to an injury. Mikko Koskinen has signed a contract on the other side of the pond. This means all the Edmonton Oilers got is Stuart Skinner.
Skinner is a solid goaltender that has the potential to be a starter in couple years, but right now he is too young. He will need a couple years of backing up to get the experience needed to take over the starting spot.
That being said if the Oilers sign a goalie and Skinner comes to camp is better, I am not opposed of him getting more games. I am a believer of playing the batter player at all times. Experience or not it a player gives you better chance to win he plays, veteran or not.
I just don’t think the Edmonton Oilers organization can take a chance on Skinner being a starter, nor do the fans. They have been waiting for a goalie ever since Cam Talbot was traded away.
Ever since that season we have never came into the season without a question mark in net. This is why Ken Holland needs to get one of the available goalies on the market. I have took a look at the UFA goalie list, as I’m sure most people have, and here is the top 3 on my list.