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3 Oilers Players Who Should See An Expanded Role In 2023 And 1 Who Should Not

By Almar Reyes

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Dylan Holloway #55 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck during NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January, 21, 2023 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Dylan Holloway #55 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck during NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January, 21, 2023 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 11: Jack Campbell #36 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to action against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 11, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Oilers 7-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 11: Jack Campbell #36 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to action against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 11, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Oilers 7-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

G Jack Campbell

The Edmonton Oilers faced an unexpected twist in their goaltending saga last season, a storyline that took many fans on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The arrival of free-agent goaltender Jack Campbell was met with high hopes and great expectations. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that it was a year to forget for Campbell, leading to the emergence of rookie backup Stuart Skinner as the unexpected saviour of the Oilers’ season.

Jack Campbell’s struggles between the pipes early in the season left Oilers fans scratching their heads. The goaltender, who was supposed to solidify the team’s net minding, found himself faltering in the face of adversity. This prompted the Oilers to turn to the unproven Stuart Skinner, a rookie who quickly became a beacon of hope for the team.

Skinner’s steady performance and remarkable composure in high-pressure situations allowed the Oilers to claw their way back into playoff contention. The goaltender switch not only saved their season but also showcased the depth of talent within the Oilers’ organization.

However, as the Oilers and their fans soon discovered, riding a rookie goaltender to a playoff spot came with its own set of challenges. Stuart Skinner, while impressive, was not immune to the physical and mental toll of an extended NHL season. The gruelling workload eventually took its toll on the young netminder, leading to a somewhat uneven performance in the playoffs.

As the Oilers prepare for the upcoming season, it’s clear that they cannot afford to make the same mistake twice. Stuart Skinner’s remarkable emergence has undoubtedly raised hopes that he could be the team’s number-one goaltender of the future. However, the significant investment in Jack Campbell cannot be overlooked.

The key to a successful season for the Oilers lies in finding the right balance between the two goaltenders. Splitting the workload evenly between Campbell and Skinner could be the winning formula. By doing so, the Oilers can ensure that both goaltenders remain fresh and at their best when the playoff stretch run arrives.

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