Articles / Oilers’ Goaltending Battle Between Skinner & Pickard Begins

Oilers’ Goaltending Battle Between Skinner & Pickard Begins

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The Hockey Writers
Oct 13, 2025 6:45 PM

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The goaltending battle for the Edmonton Oilers is heating up as Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard prepare to compete for the starting position. With the departure of veteran goaltender Mike Smith, the Oilers are looking to solidify their crease with a strong performance from either Skinner or Pickard this season. Skinner, who had a solid rookie campaign last year, is eager to prove that he can handle the pressure of being the team's starting goalie.

Calvin Pickard, the experienced hand in the mix, will challenge Skinner's position. After spending time in the American Hockey League (AHL) last season, Pickard is determined to showcase his skills during training camp and the preseason. The Oilers are focusing on developing their goaltending depth, and both players understand the importance of their performances as they vie for the top job.

As the days of training camp unfold, fans are eager to see how the duo approaches practices and preseason games. With both goalies bringing different styles and experiences to the ice, the Oilers hope to find an answer to their goaltending questions soon. The competition is not just about who will be the starter; it’s also about establishing a dynamic that could affect the entire season for the team. Managing goalies effectively will be key for the Oilers as they look to contend for a deep playoff run this year.

At the end of the day, both Skinner and Pickard have their sights set on being the go-to guy for the Oilers. It's a thrilling starting point for the team as fans and analysts alike monitor this exciting competition closely. The results of their performances in the coming weeks will ultimately shape the Oilers' goaltending strategy moving forward.