The Edmonton Oilers should fully commit to Stuart Skinner as their starting goalie to build playoff success and consistency.
As the Edmonton Oilers continue their pursuit of the Stanley Cup, one of the most crucial decisions they face is the goaltending situation. Amid talented skaters like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the backbone of any championship team remains its goalie. After years of inconsistency between the pipes, the Oilers appear to have found a promising solution in Stuart Skinner.
Skinner’s emergence as a reliable, steady presence in net has given Edmonton hope. The time has come for the Oilers to fully commit to Skinner as their starting goalie, embracing him as the foundation for playoff success and long-term stability.
Here’s why riding or dying with Stuart Skinner is the best path forward for Edmonton’s championship aspirations.
The Goaltending Quandary: Oilers’ Past Struggles
The Oilers have been one of the NHL’s most exciting offensive teams for years, boasting generational talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, their postseason runs have been marred by inconsistent goaltending.
From Mikko Koskinen’s erratic performances to Mike Smith’s aging presence, Edmonton’s netminders have often failed to provide the level of play needed in the playoffs. The lack of stability between the pipes has made it difficult for the Oilers to advance deep into the postseason despite their star power.
This goalie carousel has been a glaring issue. The Oilers have tried multiple options — from veterans to recent draft picks — but have yet to settle on a clear number one.
Stuart Skinner: A Rising Star in Net
Enter Stuart Skinner.
Drafted 78th overall by the Oilers in 2017, Skinner has steadily climbed the ranks. His combination of size (6-foot-5), athleticism, and calm demeanor in net has impressed coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.
In the 2024-25 season, Skinner seized the starting role and demonstrated poise beyond his years. His save percentage and goals-against average improved markedly from previous seasons, and he showcased an ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure moments.
Skinner’s style is technically sound, relying on positioning and patience rather than flashy, risky moves. This steady approach reduces rebounds and second-chance opportunities for opponents — exactly what a team needs during the grind of the playoffs.
Why Skinner Deserves the Starting Job
1. Consistency and Reliability
Perhaps Skinner’s greatest asset is consistency. Over the course of the regular season and the early playoff rounds, he has provided dependable performances night after night. Unlike previous Oilers goalies who have oscillated between hot streaks and cold spells, Skinner’s level of play has been remarkably steady.
This reliability builds confidence throughout the team. Defensemen can play more aggressively knowing they have a trustworthy netminder behind them, and forwards can focus on generating offense without worrying about letting the goalie down.
2. Mental Toughness
Playoff hockey is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Goaltenders face immense pressure and scrutiny — one mistake can change the course of a series. Skinner has shown an ability to stay composed, rebound quickly from errors, and remain focused amid the chaos.
His calm presence is invaluable, especially for a team with superstar talent. McDavid and Draisaitl thrive when they know their goalie can keep the puck out of the net in tight situations.
3. Long-Term Potential
At just 26 years old, Skinner is entering the prime years for a goaltender. Unlike relying on aging veterans or short-term stopgaps, committing to Skinner offers the Oilers a chance to develop a true franchise goalie.
The NHL has many examples of teams building dynasties around elite netminders — think Carey Price in Montreal or Henrik Lundqvist in New York. Skinner has the tools and the mindset to become that kind of pillar for Edmonton.
The Playoff Factor: Why Skinner Is the Difference Maker
Regular season success is one thing; playoff hockey is another level entirely. The intensity ramps up, games slow down, and every save feels magnified.
Skinner’s style suits the playoffs perfectly. His patience and positioning reduce chaos in front of the net. He doesn’t rely on scrambling saves but instead controls rebounds, minimizing second chances for elite opposing scorers.
Moreover, Skinner’s experience from recent playoff runs has given him valuable exposure to high-stakes hockey. He’s learned how to read opponents, manage momentum swings, and elevate his game when it matters most.
In contrast, the Oilers’ recent playoff exits have often coincided with subpar goalie performances. By firmly establishing Skinner as the starter, Edmonton gains a steady last line of defense capable of withstanding the playoff storm.
Building Chemistry: The Importance of Trust
Goaltenders and defensemen share a unique relationship. Trust and communication are vital to a team’s defensive structure. Skinner’s ability to communicate effectively and read the play enhances Edmonton’s defensive cohesion.
The Oilers’ blue line has shown signs of improved play when Skinner is in net. Defensemen can challenge opponents more confidently, knowing Skinner will be in position to make saves or recover pucks.
This chemistry translates into fewer defensive breakdowns and better overall team performance — essential in tightly contested playoff games.
The Alternative Options: Why Not Look Elsewhere?
The Oilers have explored other goaltending options in the past, including veterans and free agents. However, these alternatives come with risks and uncertainties.
Veterans may provide experience but often lack the long-term upside and can be prone to decline. Free agents come with questions about fit and cost, and relying on a newcomer during the playoffs is always a gamble.
Skinner represents a homegrown talent with proven NHL success and a deep understanding of the Oilers’ system. Investing in him maximizes the organization’s assets and aligns with sustainable team-building principles.
What Fans and Analysts Are Saying
Oilers fans and hockey analysts alike have taken notice of Skinner’s impact.
On social media, many fans praise his calm under pressure and clutch saves during critical moments. Analysts highlight his improved technique and growth compared to his earlier NHL seasons.
Hockey pundits have begun labeling Skinner as a “franchise goalie in the making,” urging Edmonton to avoid the temptation of quick fixes and instead trust the young netminder’s trajectory.
Coach Brent Venables’ Role in Skinner’s Development
Head coach Brent Venables deserves credit for fostering an environment where Skinner can flourish. Venables’ defensive-minded coaching style complements Skinner’s approach.
By emphasizing structure, positioning, and discipline, Venables has helped Skinner develop confidence and consistency. This synergy between coach and goalie bodes well for Edmonton’s playoff ambitions.
The Financial and Strategic Benefits
Committing to Skinner also makes sense financially. Investing in a young goalie under team control is cost-effective compared to chasing expensive free agents.
This allows the Oilers to allocate resources elsewhere — improving depth on defense, adding scoring depth, or bolstering special teams.
Strategically, it sends a clear message to the roster: the team believes in its young core and is building for sustained success, not quick fixes.
The Edmonton Oilers have a golden opportunity with Stuart Skinner. His steady presence in net, mental toughness, and upward trajectory position him as the goalie who can lead Edmonton to playoff glory.
By fully committing to Skinner as their starter, the Oilers gain stability, confidence, and a foundation to build around. The alternative—continuing to search for a goalie elsewhere—risks disrupting team chemistry and losing precious playoff momentum.
Skinner embodies the blend of skill, poise, and potential that Edmonton needs. It’s time for the Oilers to ride or die with Stuart Skinner and embrace him as the cornerstone of their championship quest.
