The future of Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner has been a popular topic in Oilers nation as the polarizing goaltender is coming off yet another inconsistent campaign as their starter in net.
The 26 year old Edmonton native posted a 26-18-4 record last season but struggled with a 2.81 goals against average and .896 save percentage. He was also hot and cold throughout the playoffs for the Oilers after Edmonton GM Stan Bowman decided the team did not need an upgrade in net despite rumblings from fans and media alike suggesting otherwise. He recorded a 7-6-1 record in the playoffs with a 2.99 GAA and .889 SP% as the Oilers lost to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup final for the second consecutive season.
This upcoming 25-26 season could be the last straw for Stuart Skinner as he enters the final year of his current deal in Edmonton. Pundits have questioned whether the Oilers will roll with Skinner as their starter this season as most outsiders have identified goaltending as the most crucial area in need of an upgrade during the offseason if the Oilers wish to get over the hump and win the Stanley Cup.
Unfortunately for Oilers fans, management does not appear to share this same view as Oliver Rodrigue of “The Oilers Fanatic” reports Edmonton is likely to stick with Skinner as their starting goalie this season in his contract year. It is possible the Oilers make some depth additions below Skinner in the rotation to provide him and backup Calvin Pickard some stability in goal. But, it appears at least for next season Skinner will still have the reigns as the Oilers no.1 in net as the team looks to address other needs throughout their lineup.
The 5 year vet has posted a 98-54-14 record in 174 appearances with Edmonton during his NHL stint to this point with 7 shutouts and a goals against average of 2.72 paired with a .906 save percentage.
