How Stuart Skinner wants to concentrate on the important things and help the Oilers win more games

Stuart Skinner, the 24-year-old goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, has already proven to be a key asset for the team. From his early days as a young prospect to becoming a starting goalie in the NHL, Skinner has worked tirelessly to elevate his game and contribute to the Oilers’ success. However, in recent interviews, Skinner has made it clear that his focus isn’t just on the individual accolades or the spotlight—he wants to focus on the important things that will help the Oilers win more games. His mindset is rooted in team-first principles, understanding that his performance between the pipes is a critical component of Edmonton’s success in the highly competitive NHL.

A Humble Beginning: Skinner’s Journey to the NHL

Stuart Skinner’s path to the NHL wasn’t one of immediate stardom, and it took years of development and perseverance. Born in Edmonton, Skinner’s journey began as a young prospect with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dependable and skilled goaltender. Skinner was drafted by the Oilers in the 3rd round (78th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, and his development continued as he worked his way through the Oilers’ minor league system.

Skinner’s time with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, was where he began to showcase his immense potential as a future NHL starter. Through his time in the AHL, Skinner honed his skills, focusing on improving his positioning, reading the game, and staying calm under pressure. As a goalie, it was clear that Skinner had the physical attributes—size, agility, and reflexes—but his commitment to the finer details of the position would ultimately set him apart.

In 2021, Skinner received his first call-up to the NHL, and he made his debut with the Oilers. He quickly established himself as a promising young netminder, displaying the maturity and poise necessary to succeed in the world’s most competitive hockey league. His consistent performances earned him more opportunities, and in the 2022-2023 season, Skinner found himself firmly entrenched as the Oilers’ primary goaltender alongside veteran Mike Smith.

The Importance of Mental Focus

In his ascent through the hockey ranks, one key factor that Skinner has consistently emphasized is the importance of maintaining mental focus. Goalies are often the most scrutinized players on the ice, and mistakes tend to be amplified due to the high-stakes nature of the position. For Skinner, the ability to stay calm and focused during both the highs and lows of a game is critical to his performance.

Staying mentally sharp means being able to focus on the process rather than getting lost in the results. In interviews, Skinner has mentioned that while he cares about the outcome of every game, his primary focus is on executing the fundamentals of his position and staying in the moment. For him, being mentally engaged is all about focusing on what he can control—his positioning, his reflexes, and his decision-making—not on factors outside his control like opposing players’ actions or the crowd’s reaction.

Mental focus also plays a significant role in dealing with the inevitable ups and downs of an NHL season. As a goaltender, Skinner has had to navigate through streaks of great success as well as stretches where goals are allowed due to defensive breakdowns or simply bad luck. His ability to block out negative thoughts after allowing a goal is something he takes pride in, and he’s learned that to help his team, he needs to remain focused on the next shot, the next save, and the next shift.

The psychological side of the game is crucial for goaltenders, and Skinner has worked hard to ensure that his mental toughness is on par with his physical attributes. It’s not just about stopping pucks; it’s about maintaining the right mindset that allows him to stay composed and perform consistently under pressure.

Concentrating on the ‘Important Things’

As Skinner develops and matures as a goaltender, he continues to emphasize his commitment to focusing on the “important things.” For Skinner, the “important things” refer to the fundamentals of goaltending and the small details that can make a huge difference in a game. While the goals are often the most visible aspect of a hockey game, Skinner understands that goaltending is a much deeper craft, where small technical adjustments and constant self-awareness can lead to more consistent performances.

For instance, one of the things Skinner wants to focus on is staying technically sound, particularly when it comes to his positioning and his ability to read the play. By positioning himself well, Skinner puts himself in the best possible spot to make saves and reduce rebounds. His understanding of angles, puck tracking, and anticipation allows him to consistently make big saves, even when the puck comes at him from unexpected directions or at high speeds.

Additionally, Skinner has emphasized the importance of improving his rebound control. In modern hockey, many goals are scored not just on the initial shot but on second-chance opportunities. Skinner understands the need to control his rebounds effectively and direct them away from dangerous areas, allowing his defensemen to clear the puck and minimize scoring chances for the opposing team.

Another key element that Skinner views as important is his communication with his defensemen. Goaltending is a team-oriented position, and Skinner recognizes the value of building chemistry with the players in front of him. By talking to his defensemen, whether it’s directing them to cover a specific player or giving them the information they need to block passing lanes, Skinner helps create a more effective defensive unit. This communication is critical for maintaining defensive structure and minimizing high-danger chances.

While Skinner is keenly aware of his individual responsibilities as a goaltender, his focus on the “important things” also reflects a team-first mentality. Skinner understands that his success in the net is inextricably linked to the overall performance of the team. The Oilers’ success is not solely dependent on his ability to stop pucks, but also on how well the team defends in front of him, how the forwards generate offense, and how the team adapts to the ebb and flow of the game. For Skinner, focusing on the small details and the important things is part of a larger effort to contribute to a winning team dynamic.

The Leadership Role in the Locker Room

While still young, Skinner has taken on a leadership role within the Oilers’ locker room, particularly when it comes to guiding younger players and helping them stay focused. Goaltenders are often isolated in terms of their role on the ice, but they are also important leaders in the locker room, helping provide calm and reassurance when necessary.

As the team’s goaltender, Skinner understands that he plays a crucial role in building confidence within the group. A good save can lift the team’s spirits, and a confident goalie can instill belief in the entire roster. Skinner has embraced the responsibility of being a source of stability, helping his teammates remain calm and focused during high-pressure moments, especially in close games or situations where the Oilers are trailing. His leadership extends beyond his performance on the ice; it’s about setting an example for the team in terms of focus, dedication, and mental toughness.

The Future: Contributing to Oilers’ Success

Looking forward, Skinner’s mindset is firmly rooted in his desire to help the Oilers win more games and pursue success on a larger scale. With the team’s offensive powerhouses like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers are a formidable team, but they need consistent goaltending to reach their championship aspirations. Skinner understands that he can be a key part of that success, but only if he remains focused on the right things.

In his next steps, Skinner hopes to continue to refine his game and become a more reliable and consistent goaltender. As the Oilers look to make deep playoff runs in the coming seasons, having Skinner step up as the cornerstone of their goaltending situation will be crucial. His emphasis on staying focused on the “important things” suggests that Skinner will be able to continue making strides in his development, helping to solidify his role as the go-to goalie for the team.