Oilers sign U Sports goalie to serve as backup vs. Kraken after birth of Skinner’s child

Monday is shaping up to be a memorable night for a pair of Edmonton-based netminders.

The Edmonton Oilers announced that they have signed University of Alberta goaltender Tyler Palmer to an amateur tryout, and that the U Sports standout will serve as the team’s backup as they host the Seattle Kraken.

The Oilers are in need of a new face on the bench, as regular starter Stuart Skinner will be away from the team after the birth of a baby boy earlier in the day.

Calvin Pickard will get the start between the pipes, but it will surely be a special experience for Palmer to join the Oilers.

Palmer is in his first year with the Golden Bears after playing four WHL seasons with the Victoria Royals and Everett Silvertips. The Fernie, B.C. native holds an 11-4 record with a .914 save percentage and 2.14 goals-against average for the UofA in 17 games this season.

The Golden Bears currently sit second in the Canada West’s East Division with an 18-6-0 record.

You can watch as the Oilers welcome Connor McDavid back to the ice on Monday night on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. MT.