The NHL trade rumors surrounding the Edmonton Oilers have been intensifying in recent weeks, as the team looks to improve its roster in order to contend for the Stanley Cup. As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers are weighing their options and exploring potential moves that would upgrade key areas of their lineup. Among the names circulating in trade rumors are goaltender Stuart Skinner and winger Vasily Podkolzin. Both players have seen varying levels of success with the Oilers, but as the team aims to solidify its chances for a deep playoff run, management may decide to move on from one or both of them if the right deal presents itself.
Stuart Skinner has been a promising young goaltender for the Oilers since he made his debut during the 2021-2022 season. The 24-year-old had a solid rookie year, showing flashes of the potential that made him a highly regarded prospect within the Oilers organization. With a blend of size, athleticism, and a strong mental game, Skinner quickly earned the trust of his coaching staff and became a regular presence between the pipes. His performances were crucial in helping the Oilers secure a playoff spot, but his consistency has been an ongoing challenge.
In the early part of the 2023-2024 season, Skinner’s play has remained somewhat inconsistent, with some stellar outings followed by stretches of uncharacteristic performances. His save percentage and goals-against average (GAA) have fluctuated, leaving many to question whether he can be the long-term solution in goal for the Oilers. As a result, general manager Ken Holland may be considering Skinner as a trade asset to bring in a more established goaltender who could offer greater stability and reliability heading into the postseason.
One potential upgrade for the Oilers could be a veteran goaltender, one with playoff experience who can step into the crease and provide a steady presence. The team has been in win-now mode for the past few seasons, with stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime. This urgency to capitalize on the team’s championship window could lead Holland to make a move for a more experienced goalie, especially if the right trade package presents itself. Skinner’s upside and youth could be appealing to other teams looking for a goaltender of the future, and that makes him a potential piece to include in a larger deal for a more established netminder.
At the same time, the Oilers’ roster has been in flux as they attempt to find the right mix of players to support their superstars. This has led to increased trade speculation surrounding several members of the team, and one of the names that have popped up in rumors is Vasily Podkolzin. The Russian winger was acquired by the Oilers in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, but his time with the team has been less than stellar, and he has struggled to find his footing in the NHL.
Podkolzin, 23, was once considered a high-potential prospect after being drafted 10th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. The expectation was that he would develop into a power forward with a scoring touch, providing a physical presence on the wing while contributing offensively. However, since arriving in Edmonton, Podkolzin has not quite lived up to those expectations. He has shown flashes of his skill and potential, but inconsistency and a lack of scoring have plagued him. With the Oilers in desperate need of reliable depth scoring, Podkolzin’s inability to carve out a significant role has led to speculation that he could be a trade candidate.
The Oilers are in a position where they need to find immediate impact players who can help contribute to the team’s success in the short term. Podkolzin, while still young, may not fit the immediate needs of the team, especially if he continues to struggle to adapt to the fast pace and physicality of the NHL. If the Oilers feel that they need to upgrade their forward group, Podkolzin could be one of the pieces they look to move.
For the Oilers, the potential departure of both Skinner and Podkolzin could signal a shift in their trade strategy. The team has been committed to surrounding McDavid and Draisaitl with the right players to help push them toward a championship. That means any trade made by the Oilers has to be a calculated move, one that provides an upgrade without disrupting the team’s overall chemistry or balance. In a league where contenders can be separated by the smallest of margins, making the right trade could prove to be the difference between a deep playoff run and a disappointing early exit.
If Skinner and Podkolzin are indeed on the trade block, there are several teams that could potentially be interested in acquiring them. For Skinner, there are a number of clubs that could be in the market for a goaltender. Teams that have had issues with their starting goalies or are looking for a younger, high-potential option could view Skinner as a valuable asset. His size and ability to handle the pressure of starting in Edmonton could make him a compelling option for teams that need to shore up their goaltending situation for both the present and the future.
Podkolzin, on the other hand, might attract interest from teams that are looking to add depth to their forward ranks. His physical style of play and potential for growth could appeal to teams that believe they can develop him into a top-six forward in the future. Given the right circumstances, Podkolzin could be a valuable asset to a team looking to improve their bottom six or add a power forward element to their roster.
As the Oilers approach the trade deadline, the situation surrounding Skinner and Podkolzin will continue to evolve. Edmonton’s management will be closely monitoring their performances over the coming weeks and weighing their options carefully. If the right deal comes along, both players could be moved, but it will depend on the type of return the Oilers are looking for. If they believe that a move could put them in a better position to contend for the Cup, then Skinner and Podkolzin could be among the names that are ultimately moved.
One of the challenges facing the Oilers is the difficulty of navigating a salary cap system that limits their ability to make significant trades. With several high-profile contracts already on the books, including those of McDavid and Draisaitl, Edmonton must be strategic in how they manage their roster. Any trade that involves Skinner or Podkolzin would need to make sense not only in terms of talent but also financially. This will require careful negotiation and an eye on the future, as the Oilers’ window for competing for a championship is now, but it will not last forever.
The Oilers have already made significant moves in recent seasons to bolster their roster, adding key players like Mattias Ekholm and Zach Hyman to help elevate the team’s chances. Now, with the trade rumors surrounding Skinner and Podkolzin gaining steam, the next few weeks could be crucial in determining the direction the team will go. The pressure is on for Ken Holland and the Oilers’ front office to make the right moves and ensure that their core players have the support they need to bring home the elusive Stanley Cup.
The trade market in the NHL is always unpredictable, and the Oilers will need to carefully weigh the long-term potential of their assets against the immediate impact they can bring to the team. Skinner and Podkolzin are both still young players with plenty of upside, but whether they fit into Edmonton’s future plans remains to be seen. If the Oilers are going to make a splash in the trade market, it will require bold moves and a willingness to part with players who may no longer fit within their plans. Time will tell whether Skinner and Podkolzin are part of that equation, but one thing is certain: the Oilers are in a prime position to make a run at the Stanley Cup, and any moves they make between now and the deadline could be pivotal in shaping that future.
