NEWS
BREAKING ….Insider Delivers the Stuart Skinner News Every Oilers Fan Wants To Hear
BREAKING ….Insider Delivers the Stuart Skinner News Every Oilers Fan Wants To Hear
Stuart Skinner is currently an important part of the Edmonton Oilers’ lineup. The 27-year-old goaltender, who plays for his hometown team, has been the Oilers’ primary goalie this season. In nine games, he has a 4-3-2 record with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage, including one shutout. In the games the Oilers have won, Skinner has been sharp, posting a 1.71 GAA and a .932 save percentage.
Skinner’s calm play has given the Oilers some stability in net, but still, they are inconsistent. His contract runs through the 2025-26 season, and he remains focused on improving his game. Even though there have been rumors about a possible trade, Skinner looks confident and more settled each time he takes the ice.
Is a Skinner Trade on the Horizon?
NHL insider Ryan Rishaug shared his thoughts on the Oilers’ goaltending situation during Oilers Now on 880 CHED, giving fans a clear picture of where things stand. He said if general manager Stan Bowman had a trade lined up that clearly upgraded the team’s goaltending, Skinner would be moved right away.
“If a deal comes up that allows Stan Bowman to make a trade tomorrow… and it involves moving on from Stuart Skinner, it’s done. It’s done, no question,” Rishaug said.
However, Rishaug also noted that such a deal doesn’t seem to exist right now. “I don’t think that deal’s gonna happen. I don’t think that deal’s there to be had,” he added.
The Oilers aren’t in a rush to make a move, and they want to give Skinner more time to prove himself. According to Rishaug, Bowman, and the coaching staff are paying attention to details, such as how Skinner responds to the new coaching changes and whether his movement and confidence have improved.
“They’re gonna see what happens… pay close attention to Skinner. How is he responding to this new coach? How’s the mobility look?” Rishaug explained.
The Oilers also have a backup plan if things don’t go as expected. Rishaug mentioned that the team is keeping an eye on AHL goaltender Connor Ingram in Bakersfield, though he admitted that Ingram “isn’t quite ready yet.” He said,
“Let that breathe — yeah — see what that is. In the meantime, pay close attention to Skinner.”
Backup Calvin Pickard’s early-season struggles have also made it difficult for Edmonton to rely on anyone else in goal. For now, the organization seems ready to ride with Skinner and continue monitoring his progress over the next couple of months.
Rishaug said Bowman will likely reassess the goaltending situation by December or January. “If by December, January, it doesn’t look like Skinner’s ready to take a step… he’s gonna have no choice,” Rishaug added.
For Oilers fans, this update is reassuring. The team isn’t rushing any decisions and continues to trust Skinner for now.