Oilers Seek Third Straight Stanley Cup Final Berth Amid Goaltending Uncertainty

As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are focused on securing their third straight appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. The team's core, led by captain Connor McDavid, remains intact, but management has had to address some key roster challenges.

One of the primary concerns for the Oilers is the situation in net. Goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have been the tandem for the past few seasons, but their five-on-five save percentages have been middle of the pack among NHL goalies. The team's goal this season is to have their goaltending ranked in the top 10, as improved netminding could have made a difference in their previous two Stanley Cup Final appearances.

To address this issue, the Oilers have acquired Connor Ingram to provide competition for the starting job. Additionally, the team has made changes to their goaltending coach, and Skinner has reported to camp in better shape, aiming to improve his side-to-side movement. However, Skinner's preseason save percentage of .902 suggests he still has work to do to become a true team strength.

The Oilers have also focused on developing their young talent, with two 21-year-old wingers, Matt Savoie and Ike Howard, making the opening-night roster. Defenseman Alec Regula and forwards Noah Philp and David Tomasek also have limited NHL experience and will be looking to establish themselves this season. The Oilers need one or two of these young players to emerge as long-term solutions, particularly on the second line, to provide scoring depth behind McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

As the Oilers embark on their quest for a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, they will need to address their goaltending concerns and integrate their young talent to complement their superstar duo of McDavid and Draisaitl.