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An outsider’s view of the Oilers: Was Skinner that bad, Bouchard’s defensive woes exaggerated, McDavid and the cruel passage of time

6 1
15.12.2025
Hello, Oilersnation! My name is Arun Srinivasan, and I’m the managing editor at The Leafs Nation. I’m here writing from the Scotiabank Arena basement ahead of tonight’s game between the Oilers and Maple Leafs. These contests tend to produce some spectacular highlights and good banter between both fan bases.Before the puck drops, I’m here to provide an outsider’s view on the 2025-26 Oilers. Hockey imitates life, and things often aren’t as dire as they seem to be.

Was Stuart Skinner really that awful?

I’m not here to rain on anyone’s parade, but in retrospect: was Stuart Skinner really that awful? Skinner is in the rearview now, I’m sure, after the Oilers acquired Tristan Jarry (and Samuel Poulin) from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Skinner, Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick. Conventional thinking suggested that the Oilers required a much-needed upgrade in goal, but I’m not sure if Jarry constitutes a major change. Arun Srinivasan@Arunthings·Follow

Connor McDavid on Stuart Skinner: "I think he should be remembered for leading the way to two Cup Finals. Two exciting runs that he backed up. He's a good person while he was here."

5:12 PM · Dec 13, 2025

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