The Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, spent much of the offseason searching for answers in goal, with rumors linking them to high-priced options across the league. One name that surfaced repeatedly was veteran netminder John Gibson, whose $51.2 million contract represented both an opportunity and a financial obstacle.

Despite the chatter, general manager Stan Bowman ultimately kept faith in Stuart Skinner. The decision not only preserved salary cap flexibility but also reinforced a long-standing organizational belief: winning must come through balance, not just bold trades. Still, questions linger after the Oilers’ heartbreaking Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, where key saves were often missing.

As Edmonton prepares for another season, the spotlight grows sharper. S

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