Although training camp just opened this week, multiple Edmonton Oilers players have been practicing together for weeks now, including starting goaltender Stuart Skinner.
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has faced backlash and criticism for making no material changes between the pipes -- aside from adding a presumptive third-string goalie in Matt Tomkins -- and many feel the team simply cannot run it back, linking the club to any goalie available.
It is no surprise that this is one of the biggest storylines as the Oilers started camp and will likely continue to be until we are into the season. If the netminders struggle, there will be major calls for change.
This narrative is even stronger with the recent talking points made by insiders around the game that captain and superstar, Connor McDavid could be holding off on committing with the team if he does not have confidence in the team around him. This inevitably puts a lot of pressure on the men between the pipes, the aforementioned Skinner and backup Calvin Pickard.
Last year, the goalies were not the only issue but there is no denying that Skinner holding an .889 save percentage in 15 postseason games and Pickard with an .886 in 10 games, is not going to cut it.
However, there is reason to believe that the goaltending can improve on their numbers from last year and become a much more stabilizing force.
Skinner looks much better, so far
Much has been made of Skinner's conditioning as it has been reported by himself that he is coming to camp 10 pounds lighter. Recently Oilers insider Bob Stauffer spoke with GM Stan Bowman on his show OilersNow as they spoke about the goaltender's new physique.
Stauffer said "Stuart Skinner looks completely different. He looks quicker, more agile, and frankly, when you see him up close, it’s obvious he’s dropped some weight.” If this is true, this change alone could help to improve Skinner's game considerably.
This also shows a lot of dedication to his craft by completely changing his offseason workout regiment and dietary habits. This is the type of buy-in that should not only help to convince McDavid to stick around but may also help the team capture the evasive Stanley Cup.
New goalie coach Peter Aubry
One of the biggest changes that GM Bowman made this summer was hiring a new goalie coach and multiple assistant coaches. Peter Aubry joined the Oilers and comes with a long standing background as goaltending coach with the Chicago Blackhawks and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Rockford IceHogs.
During his tenure he worked with goaltenders such as Anton Forsberg, Kevin Lankinen, Collin Delia, Arvid Soderblom, Malcolm Subban, and even new Oilers depth goalie, Matt Tomkins. Although maybe not widely recognized for it, the Blackhawks have been a bit under the radar for their goalie development, which Aubry played a major part in.
It seems that so far, he may already be making a big impact on Skinner with Bowman saying in regards to their relationship "And in talking to Peter Aubry, they’ve formed a really great connection. Stu and I talked about that. He’s really excited about the connection that they’ve formed over the summer; they’ve spent a lot of time with each other, talking about the game and talking about his game. It’s like a fresh approach to the season.”
We will have to wait and see if all of this is just smoke and mirrors but Oilers fans should be willing to wait out and see. Skinner is only two years removed from a .914 save percentage in 50 games and one year removed from a .905 save percentage in 59 games. If Skinner can return to somewhere in that range, the team will be much better.