Just days ago, the Edmonton Oilers executed a significant trade, sending goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin. This move, intended to solidify Edmonton's goaltending, has unexpectedly sparked speculation about whether Skinner could be on the move again before the trade deadline.
Skinner, a hometown Edmonton native, had been the Oilers' mainstay in net for the past three seasons, leading them to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. However, inconsistent performances and mounting pressure led to the trade with Pittsburgh. This season, Skinner posted an 11-8-4 record with a 2.83 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage.
Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman cited the need for "something different" as the primary reason for the trade, emphasizing confidence in the incoming Jarry. Bowman highlighted Jarry's consistent performance over several years and his contract, ensuring stability in the goaltending position for the next three playoff runs. Jarry, a two-time All-Star, has a career 2.74 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage over 307 NHL games.
Despite the Oilers' rationale, some analysts view the trade as a lateral move, questioning whether Jarry is a significant upgrade over Skinner. Both goalies have displayed inconsistencies, and Jarry's injury history is a concern. Prior to the trade, Jarry had a .848 high-danger save percentage, ranking eighth among goalies who faced at least 100 high-danger shots, while Skinner's was .760, below the league average.
The possibility of Skinner being traded again stems from several factors. Firstly, he is in the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. This could make him an attractive rental option for teams seeking goaltending depth for a playoff push. Secondly, the Penguins' goaltending situation is now somewhat crowded with Jarry, and the emergence of other options could make Skinner expendable. Thirdly, Skinner's performance in Pittsburgh will dictate his value; a strong showing could increase his trade value, while struggles could lead to him being moved for minimal return.
Several teams could be potential suitors for Skinner. Contenders dealing with injuries or inconsistent goaltending might see him as a valuable addition. Teams looking to bolster their goaltending depth for the playoffs could also view him as a worthwhile acquisition.
The Oilers, in acquiring Jarry, aimed to address their goaltending concerns and provide stability in a crucial position. However, the trade has opened up the possibility of Skinner being on the move again, adding an intriguing storyline to follow as the trade deadline approaches. Whether Skinner stays in Pittsburgh or finds himself on another team remains to be seen, but his situation is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming months.
