The Edmonton Oilers are making significant roster adjustments as they head into a crucial road trip, recalling goaltender Olivier Rodrigue from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors on an emergency basis. The move comes in the wake of starting goaltender Stuart Skinner's injury during the Oilers' recent 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on March 26, 2025.
Skinner, who exited the game in the third period after a collision with Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen, will not be traveling with the team for their upcoming match against the Seattle Kraken. Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Skinner's injury is serious enough to keep him sidelined for at least the initial part of the road trip.
Rodrigue, a 24-year-old prospect, has been performing well in the AHL, boasting an 18-15-7 record this season, along with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage. He also recorded one shutout during his time with the Condors. Rodrigue, who was selected by the Oilers in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, is still awaiting his NHL debut, and this opportunity comes at a critical juncture for the Oilers.
The Oilers are currently sitting in third place in the Pacific Division with a record of 41-25-5, making this road trip vital for their playoff aspirations. With superstar forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl already out due to lower-body injuries, the pressure is mounting on the remaining players to step up. This situation has left the Oilers in a precarious position as they prepare to face the Kraken.
In a corresponding move, the Oilers have also loaned forward Derek Ryan to the Condors, further indicating their commitment to bolstering their goaltending situation while managing their roster effectively. The Oilers will rely on Calvin Pickard to start in goal, with Rodrigue backing him up as they navigate through this challenging period.
As the Oilers gear up for their matchup in Seattle, fans are left wondering how this latest roster shakeup will affect the team's performance on the ice. With key players sidelined and a new goaltender stepping in, the stakes are high, and the pressure is on for the Oilers to secure crucial points in their playoff push.
Stay tuned as the situation develops and the Oilers look to overcome their injury woes and maintain their position in the playoff race.
