NHL trade rumors: Columnist urges Oilers to trade for $66,000,000 Islanders goalie in exchange for Stuart Skinner

The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has been a topic of debate, with mixed opinions on whether they are sufficient to lead the team to a Stanley Cup.

Despite the organization expressing confidence in their tandem, concerns persist about their consistency and ability to perform in high-stakes playoff scenarios. Moreover, the Oilers are operating with limited salary cap space, which impacts their ability to make significant roster changes, including addressing their goaltending needs.

On "The Jason Gregor Show," senior columnist Mark Spector urged the Edmonton Oilers to trade Stuart Skinner for the New York Islanders' goaltender Ilya Sorokin. He emphasized that Sorokin's consistent performance for several years makes him a significant upgrade.

"Hey, trade him for Ilya Sorokin. Now we're talking, right? Bring in a guy who everybody in hockey would say to you, "This guy's better than Skinner, and this guy's got a bunch of years left." Now, let's talk. But don't be moving out Skinner and bringing in some guy who might be as good," Spector said (3:11 onwards).

Sorokin played 61 games, posting a 30-24-6 record, a 2.71 goals-against average (GAA), a .907 save percentage (SV%), and four shutouts. The 29-year-old netminder is currently signed to an eight-year, $66 million contract with the Islanders. The contract has an AAV of $8.5 million.

Stuart Skinner could be prime trade target for Oilers next season

According to The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell, Skinner holds significant value for the current Edmonton Oilers roster and in the trade market.

Mitchell suggests that Skinner could be included in a trade package to acquire an upgraded goaltender:

"Stuart Skinner has exceptional value, both to the current edition of the Oilers and on the open market. Skinner could be involved in a trade for a goalie upgrade. He would be part of the ask," wrote Mitchell

Skinner appeared in 51 games with a record of 26 wins, 18 losses, and 4 ties. He posted a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.81 and a save percentage (SV%) of .896 while recording three shutouts.

He posted a 7-8 record with a 2.99 GAA and .889 SV% over 15 starts in the playoffs.

Also Read: NHL trade rumors: Stuart Skinner, Vasily Podkolzin on Oilers trade block for potential upgrade deals

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta