Insider Reveals Surprising Contract Prediction: Oilers May Lock In Stuart Skinner Long-Term as Franchise Goaltender Sooner Than Expected

The Edmonton Oilers may be preparing to make a bold and strategic move when it comes to their goaltending future—and Stuart Skinner is at the center of it.

According to a trusted NHL insider, the Oilers are reportedly considering offering a long-term contract extension to the 25-year-old netminder well before his current deal expires. While many assumed Edmonton would wait and evaluate Skinner’s performance over the next couple of seasons, the organization may instead try to secure their starter now—before his price tag climbs any higher.

It’s a surprising revelation that has sparked discussion across the hockey world, but it also makes a lot of sense when you look deeper. Skinner has emerged as a steady, poised, and reliable presence in goal, giving Edmonton the kind of stability they haven’t consistently had since the days of Dwayne Roloson or even Grant Fuhr.

So why the urgency from the front office? And what would a long-term commitment mean for the Oilers, Skinner, and the fanbase?

Let’s take a closer look at the report, Skinner’s rise, the contract landscape, and what this all could mean moving forward.

From Local Kid to Goaltending Backbone

Stuart Skinner’s journey is nothing short of poetic. A native of Edmonton, Skinner grew up idolizing the Oilers, dreaming of the day he’d play in net for the team he cheered for as a kid. Drafted 78th overall in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Skinner took the patient route—developing in the WHL, ECHL, and AHL before earning his NHL shot.

His breakthrough came during the 2022-23 season when he stepped in for the struggling Jack Campbell and delivered a composed, consistent performance that helped Edmonton surge into the playoffs. Skinner ultimately started 48 games that season, finishing with a 29-14-5 record, a .913 save percentage, and was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year.

Since then, Skinner has solidified his role as Edmonton’s starter. His rebound control, calm demeanor, and ability to make timely saves have made him a favorite in the locker room and among fans.

“He’s just a guy you can rely on,” said Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. “When he’s back there, we’re confident. He’s steady, and he’s still getting better.”

The Contract Situation: Why Now?

Skinner is currently in the second year of a three-year, $7.8 million deal ($2.6 million AAV) signed in December 2022. For a starting goalie playing at his level, it’s one of the best-value contracts in the league. That won’t be the case for long.

A league source revealed this week that Oilers management is seriously considering offering Skinner an extension—likely in the five- to six-year range—before the final year of his current deal begins. The logic? Lock him in early while his cap hit remains reasonable and avoid a bidding war or massive price spike down the road.

“Teams around the league are starting to take note of how valuable Skinner is,” the insider said. “If he continues this level of play for another season, his price will jump significantly. Edmonton knows this, and they’d rather act now than wait.”

Why Skinner Is Worth the Gamble

Locking up a goalie long-term always carries risk—performance can fluctuate, injuries can derail momentum, and sometimes young netminders plateau. But Skinner’s mental toughness, work ethic, and composure set him apart.

He’s not flashy. He doesn’t overplay pucks. But he makes the saves that matter.

“He has that cool, calm presence you want in a number one goalie,” said former Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk in a recent radio interview. “He’s not rattled easily. That’s huge when you’re playing in a market like Edmonton where the pressure is always on.”

Skinner also fits perfectly within Edmonton’s current window of contention. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their primes—and the team’s blue line improving—what the Oilers need most is stability in net. Skinner provides that.

Cap Implications and Team Strategy

If the Oilers extend Skinner now, they’ll have the advantage of negotiating before the salary cap spikes dramatically. The NHL cap is projected to rise significantly over the next few years, and Edmonton’s management is well aware of the implications.

Signing Skinner to a deal with an AAV in the $4.5 to $5.5 million range now could look like a bargain by 2027. For reference, comparable goaltenders like Jake Oettinger (3 years, $4 million AAV at signing) and Carter Hart (3 years, $3.979 million AAV at signing) signed deals that quickly became team-friendly as their value soared.

By being proactive, the Oilers could create more long-term cap flexibility—critical when extensions for stars like Draisaitl and eventually McDavid come due.

Potential Contract Framework

While no details are finalized, several insiders have floated a few possible frameworks for a Skinner extension:

• 5 years, $25 million ($5 million AAV): Fair market value that reflects his current role and future upside.

• 6 years, $30 million ($5 million AAV): Gives both sides stability while offering Edmonton cost certainty.

• 5 years, $22.5 million ($4.5 million AAV): Team-friendly deal if Skinner is willing to take a slight discount for term.

A lot depends on how Skinner views his future—and how confident Edmonton is in his trajectory. But either way, the days of his bargain contract are numbered.

What This Means for Jack Campbell

One ripple effect of a potential Skinner extension is the future of Jack Campbell. Signed to a five-year, $25 million deal in 2022, Campbell has not lived up to expectations and has spent time in the AHL.

If the Oilers lock in Skinner long-term, it all but guarantees Campbell’s time in Edmonton is winding down. Whether by trade (with salary retained), buyout, or burying the contract in the minors, Edmonton may have to move on from Campbell to make room.

“Skinner is the future—and the present,” one source close to the team said. “This extension would be the final confirmation of that.”

What Skinner Thinks

While Skinner hasn’t commented directly on the rumors of a possible extension, he has consistently expressed his love for playing in Edmonton.

“This city means a lot to me,” Skinner said during the playoffs. “To put on this jersey and play in front of these fans—it’s a dream. I want to win here.”

Those words carry weight, especially from a hometown player who’s been through the organization’s highs and lows. And if the Oilers are ready to commit to him long-term, chances are Skinner will be all in.

Fan Reaction and Legacy Potential

The news of a possible extension has been met with optimism among Oilers fans, many of whom have long viewed Skinner as a cornerstone in the making. On social media, Oilers Nation has rallied behind the idea of keeping Skinner in blue and orange for years to come.

“He’s the real deal. Give him the keys,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “He’s homegrown, humble, and hungry—what more do you want?”

If Skinner does sign long-term and helps backstop the Oilers to a Stanley Cup, he could go down as one of the most beloved players in franchise history. Not only because of his performance—but because he chose to commit to his city.

Locking in Stuart Skinner early may seem like a surprising move to some, but it’s exactly the kind of calculated risk that smart front offices make. Edmonton has found something rare: a calm, consistent goalie in his mid-20s with room to grow and a genuine love for the franchise.

By extending him now, the Oilers would secure a critical piece of their championship puzzle—and send a clear message to the rest of the league: the window is open, and they’re ready to win now and in the future.

Whether the deal happens this summer or sometime during the season, the writing is on the wall—Stuart Skinner is Edmonton’s goalie of the future.

And the future may be arriving faster than anyone expected.