Heading into Tuesday night's game between the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins, it was more than just an ordinary game.
Not only did the two teams make a major move the Friday before, swapping goalies Stuart Skinner and Tristan Jarry but multiple other pieces exchanged hands. The Oilers received forward prospect Samuel Poulin. The Penguins on the other hand got defenceman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second round draft pick.
It was a move that had long been anticipated as the Oilers need for an upgrade in goal became more and more apparent. However, one unexpected wrinkle that came from the move was that former Oilers goalie Skinner and Oilers captain Connor McDavid were not friends, which pushed the Oilers brass to choose to trade Skinner instead of Calvin Pickard, however that seems to be nothing more than a baseless rumour based on what we saw Tuesday.
McDavid and former Oilers goalie appear to have no bad blood
Giving his pregame remarks, McDavid's media interview was crashed by former Oilers netminder, Stuart Skinner in what was a heartwarming moment between two former teammates.
Connor McDavid's former Edmonton teammate Stuart Skinner just happened to walk by as he spoke with @NabilKarimTV pregame 😳 pic.twitter.com/e1Vx0e6EhL
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) December 17, 2025
McDavid spotted Skinner walking by, going out of his way to embrace his former netminder in an authentic and genuine way. The moment seemingly crushed all rumours about the two old teammates not getting along.
Oilers set to make another move, according to insider
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, while speaking on his Oilers Now show dropped an interesting tidbit the other day, specifically in regards to the Oilers future plans.
"I do foresee a scenario where probably at some point they're [Edmonton Oilers] gonna add another forward here, I think that's inevitable."
Regardless of how some feel about Stauffer, it is undeniable that he is a well connected member of the Oilers media, literally working for Oilers Entertainment Group. Although this rumour is not as direct as we may like, it leaves some openness for interpretation.
The Oilers recent recall of Quinn Hutson points to the team wanting to see what it has in it's depth forwards. If they like what they have, then the team will likely make a move of some consequence up front.
The Oilers have also been tied to Buffalo Sabres star winger, Alex Tuch who would definitely push the needle should the club manage to acquire him this season.
News and rumours from around the NHL
News from around the NHL:
- Fenway Sports Group is reportedly expected to sell the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise to the Hoffmann Family with a price tag of $1.7 billion according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The deal still needs to be approved by the NHL board of governors, remains unofficial as of now.
- Philadelphia Flyers forward Tyson Foerster is expected to be out the rest of the season after undergoing arm surgery. The 23 year old had 10 goals and three assists for 13 points in 21 games this season.