The Edmonton Oilers believe they have their answer in net, at least for now. While Stuart Skinner’s future remains uncertain beyond this season, the organization isn’t rushing to replace him as their starting goaltender.
According to team insiders, the team’s immediate focus centers on adding depth behind Skinner rather than making a major change in goal. The Oilers are looking at a third-string option or potentially a new backup, but current plans suggest Skinner will open the 2025-26 campaign as the No. 1.
Why Are the Edmonton Oilers Sticking With Stuart Skinner?
Skinner, 26, is entering the final season of his three-year, $7.8 million contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent in July 2026, making the upcoming season a pivotal moment in his career. After two inconsistent campaigns, this year will likely determine his long-term future with the franchise.
Olivier Rodrigue of The Oilers Fanatic revealed that Edmonton’s approach suggests patience rather than panic. The team appears confident in its current tandem, and any significant changes could potentially be delayed until later in the season.
“It just does not look like that (replacing Stuart Skinner) is what the Edmonton Oilers are trying to do. At least at the present time, a veteran goaltender is something we could see come to fruition for the Edmonton Oilers later in the season,” Rodrigue noted.
The team’s current strategy focuses on adding depth rather than replacing their starter outright. Rodrigue explained that Skinner and Calvin Pickard will work with new Edmonton Oilers goaltending coach Peter Aubry this season.
“Based on the kind of season that Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard had, we know the Edmonton Oilers are looking for either a third-string goaltender or possibly a new backup for Stuart Skinner. Both Skinner and Pickard, if they stick around, are going to be working with new Edmonton Oilers goaltending coach Peter Aubrey,” he added.
This approach indicates the organization believes its goaltending issues can be addressed through coaching and depth additions rather than a complete overhaul.
How Is Stuart Skinner Preparing for His Crucial Season?
Skinner has already begun his offseason preparation, with fans spotting him training on the ice in Kelowna, B.C. The work comes after a challenging 2024-25 season in which he posted a .896 save percentage over 51 games and ultimately lost the starting role during the playoffs.
Beyond his on-ice preparation, Skinner has made strategic changes to his professional representation. Last summer, he switched agents and hired Ray Petkau, who specializes in representing goaltenders.
The agent change signals Skinner’s awareness that this season will be crucial for his career trajectory. Industry projections suggest he could be worth more than $6 million annually on a mid-length deal, but the Oilers may hesitate to commit without seeing a bounce-back performance.
What Could Stuart Skinner’s Next Contract Look Like?
Based on Evolving Hockey’s contract model, Oilers Nation’s Zach Laing has projected that a realistic extension for Skinner could be a five-year deal worth $6.817 million annually. The probability of that exact deal is pegged at 22 percent.
Other potential scenarios range from a two-year deal at $5.16 million annually to an eight-year pact at $6.64 million annually. However, these projections depend entirely on how Skinner performs in 2025-26.
If Skinner establishes himself as a consistent No. 1 goaltender, a long-term commitment from the Oilers makes financial and strategic sense. If he continues to struggle with consistency, management could opt for a shorter deal or explore other options in goal.
Either way, Skinner’s upcoming season will play a decisive role in shaping both his future and the Oilers’ long-term plans between the pipes. The organization appears willing to give him one more chance to prove he can be their franchise goaltender, but that patience won’t last forever if the results don’t improve.