As the trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are not planning to move goaltender Stuart Skinner, sources confirm.

As the NHL Trade Deadline draws near, the Edmonton Oilers are actively evaluating their roster, making preparations for potential trades and acquisitions that could bolster their Stanley Cup aspirations. While trade rumors often dominate the NHL’s landscape as the deadline nears, one piece of news has stood out: the Oilers are not planning to move Stuart Skinner, their young and promising goaltender.

The decision to retain Skinner, a goaltender who has shown remarkable growth and promise in his short time with the Oilers, speaks volumes about the franchise’s trust in his abilities, as well as their longer-term vision for the team. While the trade deadline often sees teams making significant changes to their rosters in pursuit of immediate success, the Oilers’ approach with Skinner reflects their focus on maintaining stability at a crucial position while giving their rising star the opportunity to develop and continue to shine.

In this article, we’ll explore why the Oilers are holding on to Skinner, how his performance has influenced this decision, and what this move says about the team’s broader plans for the future.

Stuart Skinner: The Rise of a Young Goaltender

Stuart Skinner’s journey to the NHL was not without its challenges, but his rise to prominence with the Edmonton Oilers has been both impressive and promising. Drafted in the 3rd round (78th overall) by the Oilers in the 2017 NHL Draft, Skinner spent several seasons developing in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors before making his full-time leap to the NHL in 2021. Despite the long road to establishing himself as an NHL regular, Skinner’s growth has been remarkable, particularly given his ability to perform at a high level in a city like Edmonton, where the pressure to succeed is intense.

During his time in the AHL, Skinner showcased his skills and quickly gained recognition for his ability to handle the rigors of professional hockey. His solid performances earned him a promotion to the NHL, and in the 2021-2022 season, he made his debut for the Oilers. Since then, Skinner has been a mainstay in the Oilers’ crease, competing with Jack Campbell for the starting job and showing that he is more than capable of handling the duties as the team’s primary goaltender.

One of the key attributes that have made Skinner such an appealing goaltender is his consistency. Unlike many young netminders who struggle with inconsistency in their first few seasons, Skinner has been remarkably stable for the Oilers. While the team’s defense and overall team play have certainly played a role in this success, Skinner’s ability to keep pucks out of the net and provide his team with reliable goaltending has been invaluable.

In 2022-2023, Skinner posted impressive numbers, including a solid save percentage and goals-against average, that placed him among the top goaltenders in the league. His performances earned him significant trust from Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft, as Skinner regularly started for the Oilers in key games. His poise under pressure, ability to handle high-intensity moments, and calm demeanor have helped him gain the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

Now, as the 2023-2024 season progresses, Skinner continues to solidify his position as a central figure for the Oilers’ future. With his contract currently under control, the team’s decision to not move him at the trade deadline is a clear indication that they view him as an essential part of their long-term plans.

Why the Oilers Are Holding on to Skinner

At a time when trade speculation and rumors run rampant in the NHL, particularly around players with value like Skinner, the Oilers’ stance on their young goaltender may raise a few eyebrows. After all, many NHL teams often look to bolster their roster at the trade deadline, sometimes making moves for goaltenders or trading away assets to upgrade at other positions. So why are the Oilers deciding to hold on to Skinner?

1. His Development and Performance

First and foremost, Skinner’s performance over the last few seasons has shown that he is more than capable of being a long-term solution in goal for the Oilers. The Oilers have struggled in past seasons with goaltending consistency, but with Skinner’s continued growth and impressive outings, they have a netminder they can rely on moving forward. His combination of skill, poise, and consistency has given the team confidence that he is ready to carry the workload for years to come.

Additionally, Skinner has proven that he has the ability to handle the pressures of playing in a hockey market like Edmonton. The Oilers are a team with high expectations every season, especially with their dynamic core of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge. Skinner has shown the mental fortitude to perform well under such circumstances, which bodes well for his future with the team.

2. The Price of Goaltending

In today’s NHL, goaltending is one of the most difficult positions to assess and acquire. While elite goaltenders can have an immediate impact on a team’s success, they are also incredibly hard to come by, and many of them come with high price tags. Moving Skinner at this point could be a difficult proposition for the Oilers, given his value as a starting netminder on a relatively affordable contract.

The Oilers already have a significant financial commitment to Jack Campbell, who has been the team’s other starting goaltender since signing a multi-year deal in 2022. The team is already investing a considerable amount of money in the goaltending position, and moving Skinner — who is still on a cost-effective contract — would not make sense unless the Oilers were able to acquire a significant upgrade.

Given the current salary cap restrictions and the volatility of the goaltending market, it would likely cost the Oilers far more than it’s worth to make a trade for a veteran goaltender or another option at this time. Thus, the team is likely recognizing that Skinner is a valuable asset as both a present and future solution in goal.

3. Future Stability in Goal

The Oilers’ future is reliant on a number of young players, with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Skinner forming the foundation of the team’s core. While the Oilers have been competitive in recent years, they still face the challenge of building a team that can consistently compete for a Stanley Cup. Keeping Skinner in the fold ensures the team has stability in goal for the long haul. The team has already made significant strides in building a competitive roster, and having a goaltender of Skinner’s caliber only strengthens their position moving forward.

Moreover, goaltending is one of the most important aspects of a playoff-caliber team. Teams that struggle in net often find it difficult to make a deep run in the postseason. By committing to Skinner, the Oilers can build a more cohesive plan around their star players, knowing they have a reliable goaltender capable of stepping up when it matters most.

4. Team Chemistry and Leadership

Another aspect of keeping Skinner on the roster is his role in the locker room and his growing leadership qualities. The Oilers are in a phase where leadership and team chemistry are crucial to their success. Skinner has earned the respect of his teammates and coaching staff, and his work ethic has become a defining characteristic of his career.

With players like McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way on the ice, having a goaltender like Skinner who is also developing leadership qualities is important for team cohesion. The stability Skinner brings to the Oilers’ lineup is part of the reason why management sees him as an essential piece of the puzzle.

What’s Next for the Oilers and Skinner?

As the trade deadline nears, the Oilers will continue to monitor potential trades, especially for areas that could further strengthen their chances at a Stanley Cup. While Skinner is staying put for now, there may be moves to improve other aspects of the roster, particularly the team’s depth on defense or their bottom-six forwards.

For Skinner, the remainder of the season presents an important opportunity to solidify his place as the goaltender of the future in Edmonton. As the Oilers continue their push for the playoffs and beyond, Skinner’s performance will be key in determining how far the team can go. His ability to maintain his consistency, stay healthy, and perform at a high level will be critical in the postseason.