As Connor McDavid’s contract situation continues to dominate headlines, the Edmonton Oilers may be facing a critical offseason decision that could influence the superstar’s next move: upgrading their goaltending. There are options, but whether any of them are upgrades is debatable.
Interestingly, The 2 Mutts Podcast recently stirred discussion in Oilers Nation by reporting on the status of Carter Hart, whose potential return to the NHL has many players excited.
Carter Hart: Ready for a Comeback
Hart, currently training in Edmonton, is focused on returning to the league after being cleared of sexual assault allegations alongside other Team Canada players. According to the podcast, players who have seen Hart on the ice this summer describe him as sharp and confident, retaining his mechanics despite an extended absence.
“He’s ready to get an opportunity to show others he can be a huge contributor to the success of the team,” the podcast noted. Several NHL teams are reportedly prepared to bring Hart in on a professional tryout once he is cleared. Does Edmonton need to beat these teams to the punch? Or is it best the Oilers steer clear altogether?
For the Oilers, Hart represents a potential upgrade that could complement a Cup contender. At the same time, while found not guilty, he brings questions and controversy with him.
The Skinner Dilemma
Stuart Skinner’s three-year contract expires after this season, and GM Stan Bowman faces a defining decision. The 26-year-old ranks seventh in regular-season wins and third in playoff victories among goalies over the past three years. He’s been Edmonton’s go-to guy during their recent playoff runs, but the narrative forming is that this has also been the team’s biggest weakness.
Related: Oilers’ Mangiapane Is Primed for a Bounce Back Season
It’s not fair to say Skinner hasn’t given the Oilers a shot. He’s been tremendous at times, while inconsistent at others. All the while, he has never been paid like a top-level NHL starter, and asking him to be not only that, but also a Stanley Cup champion-level goalie, so early in his career, might have been unfair. The bigger question is if he’s trending in the right direction and how quickly he can put it all together.
Is Hart better than Skinner? Maybe. He’s also been away from the game, whereas Skinner has learned invaluable lessons…
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