The Montreal Canadiens' goaltending situation has become a major point of concern this season, prompting discussions about potential solutions, including a trade for Pittsburgh Penguins' goaltender Stuart Skinner. With Sam Montembeault struggling and top prospect Jacob Fowler, 21, still developing, the Canadiens may seek a more immediate answer in the trade market.
Montreal initially hoped that Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes would form a reliable tandem in net, but Montembeault's performance has been inconsistent. This led to the Canadiens calling up Jacob Fowler, but he has had mixed results in his first two NHL starts. Fowler allowed two goals in his debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 11 but then surrendered five goals against the New York Rangers.
As a result, the Canadiens are rumored to be exploring the trade market for a goalie. One name that has surfaced is Stuart Skinner, who recently joined the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to Nestor Quixtan of Heavy Sports, the Penguins might be willing to trade Skinner if they receive the right offer. This is due to the Penguins having several young goalies who may be ahead of Skinner on their depth chart.
Skinner, 27, is in the final year of his three-year, $7.8 million contract, which he signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2022. Before being traded to Pittsburgh in 2025, Skinner played parts of five seasons with the Oilers. This season in Edmonton, he recorded an 11-8-4 record with a 2.83 goals-against average, a .891 save percentage, and two shutouts in 23 starts.
Acquiring Skinner could provide the Canadiens with a more experienced and stable presence in net. He has more NHL experience than Montembeault and Dobes combined.
However, there are potential complications. Skinner is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer. If the Canadiens acquire him, they would also need to consider re-signing him. Skinner's current cap hit is $2.6 million. Montembeault is in the second year of a three-year deal with a $3.15 million cap hit. It may be difficult for the Canadiens to keep both Skinner and Montembeault.
The cost to acquire Skinner could also be significant. The Penguins might ask for a first-round pick and a prospect in return. The Penguins recognize that they possess a valuable asset and may try to maximize their return in a trade.
Skinner was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round, 78th overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Before reaching the NHL, Skinner played in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Swift Current Broncos. Skinner helped Swift Current win the 2018 WHL championship.
During the 2022-23 season, Skinner established himself with the Oilers, earning a three-year, $7.8 million contract extension. He also participated in the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend. Skinner finished as a finalist for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best rookie. On January 23, 2024, Skinner set an Oilers record with his 11th straight win, surpassing Grant Fuhr's previous record.
