Netminder Stuart Skinner has been a major topic of discussion for Edmonton Oilers fans this season. Costly goals allowed in key moments, combined with the caliber of offensive teams the Oilers have faced, have contributed to disappointing outcomes in games that should have gone Edmonton’s way, as well as during the blowout losses they’ve endured.
What could explain the decline of a goaltender, who was red-hot last season but has been ice-cold this campaign? His current stats paint a troubling picture of a player struggling to recapture the form that once made him the backbone of the Oilers’ defence.
These questions highlight a bigger issue the Edmonton Oilers face: winning consistently. This is a team built to dominate and play at an elite level, yet they’ve struggled to execute that vision.
One thing I’ve noticed about this Oilers roster is their tendency to rely on volume shooting, peppering opposing goalies with pucks and hoping for favourable bounces. While aggression is important, this "throw it on net" approach often lacks strategy, leaving opponents’ defences intact and goaltenders able to settle into the game. The Oilers need to focus on structured, high-danger scoring chances rather than relying solely on brute force.
These offensive woes only compound the goaltending challenges, as Skinner is rarely given the support he needs from the team's supposedly potent attack.
A team that makes sense for a Skinner blockbuster trade
If the Oilers choose to explore trading Skinner, one team that comes to mind is the Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas boasts a deep pool of goaltending talent, including Aiden Hill and Robin Lehner. While Lehner’s future remains uncertain due to long-term injuries, the Golden Knights retain his contract, which could potentially be part of a deal if Edmonton is willing to navigate the financial intricacies.
Hill, on the other hand, is a proven winner. He led the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2023 and has shown an ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. Hill is in the final year of his contract, meaning he could be a trade option if Vegas is unable to secure him to an extension before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.
The Oilers’ management should closely monitor this situation. If Hill becomes available, Edmonton must act decisively to acquire a goaltender who could help solidify their net and give the team a legitimate shot at another deep playoff run.
The impact of trading Skinner for Hill or Lehner
To make this trade appealing for Vegas, the Oilers would likely need to sweeten the deal. This could mean including assets like a draft pick or a player such as Matias Janmark. The Oilers might even consider moving Matias Ekholm if they believe Hill is the missing piece to a championship puzzle, though Ekholm remains an integral part of Edmonton’s defense.
For both teams, the ultimate goal is the same: winning the Stanley Cup. Vegas would benefit from acquiring a younger, cost-controlled goalie in Skinner, while Edmonton could secure a more proven option in Hill or potentially Lehner. However, the Oilers must carefully evaluate whether the upgrade in netminding is worth the price of parting with valuable assets.
Such a trade would not only address Edmonton’s goaltending concerns but also send a strong message to the league that the Oilers are all-in on chasing a championship this season.