I could get behind this return for Ben.

Why pay so much to downgrade in goal? Also don't think Ben Chiarot helps much either.

I think Ben helps a whole lot honestly. Big physical stay at home D that can hold the fort so either Barrie or Bouchard can wheel up ice.
I know MAF looks dismal rn but maybe a change of scenery helps. The Oilers clearly have trust issues with Koskinen. Maybe Smith changes their outlook on things whenever he comes back. When is that again ???

He had a very bad start to the year, but the past 3 games hes been exceptional. If he keeps trending up like this, I would expect his services will be coveted by a few teams at the deadline

3 of his last 5 games were solid but they vs Pittsburgh, AZ and Ottawa so … perspective.

The other two games were vs Winnipeg and Carolina and he got shelled. He might have more trade value but it’s not looking good thus far.

So he's not playing well... but you still think he'd be a great addition to the Oilers?

Change of scenery …. There’s definitely risk associated for sure. MAF seems like an emotional G to me. If he’s got good vibes than he can play and I cannot imagine that there are any good vibes in Chicago rn. It’s a huge risk but so is keeping Koskinen. Maybe this price tag is too high rn. The next 10 games will tell us a bit more.

Keeping Koskinen isn't a risk at all, as long as he's not overplayed. Which he is, right now. Since Smith went down he's played 11 games (.910 sv%), the only goalie to play more in that timeframe is Jake Allen (12 games, .901).

Fair point. I guess they will see how things go when Smith returns.

Or sooner. Skinner seems to be winning the confidence of the coaches, perhaps we'll see them split the starts until Smith comes back.

I hope they start Skinner tomorrow night. I think the team will have lots more energy.

People saying MAF are trash clearly haven't seen his latest games since the coaching change. The whole team was trash before the coaching change. Not to say we have all of a sudden become world beaters but there has been a clear improvement across the board. MAF is a playoff beast and that is where it counts.

Time will tell of course if the coaching change amounts to anything. His last 5 games had wins vs Ottawa, AZ and Pittsburgh. And blowouts vs Winnipeg and Carolina. So not really convincing enough .. yet. Give it another 5-10 games and then see. He could rebound 100%. Will need something more tangible though.

We have only played 3 games since the change of management. I think its taken a big load off everyone and the new coach has just given them a little more freedom to express their own style on the game coinciding with improved performance. This will not sustain but has def seen an improvement. The blowouts and the OTT result were prior to the coach. Time will def tell as we experience a road trip West.

MAF is definitely an up and down G for sure. Very very streaky.

Reigning Vezina winner, can't be too bad.