{"id":433169,"date":"2026-01-28T21:17:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T21:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/433169\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T21:17:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T21:17:17","slug":"analyst-not-surprised-by-stuart-skinners-early-success-in-pittsburgh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/433169\/","title":{"rendered":"Analyst Not Surprised by Stuart Skinner’s Early Success in Pittsburgh"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Stuart Skinner was dealt to Pittsburgh as part of the return that sent Tristan Jarry to Edmonton, much of the hockey world envisioned he could very well find himself on the move again before the March 6 trade deadline.<\/p>\n

After losing his first three games as a Penguin, that appeared to be the clear trajectory. However, all Skinner has done since is shut the door and win, taking over as Pittsburgh\u2019s clear-cut No. 1 goalie and silencing any trade chatter. While it was evident that both the player and the Oilers needed a change of scenery<\/a>, one former NHL goalie turned analyst isn\u2019t surprised to see Skinner thriving in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

Jamie McLennan of TSN\u2019s OverDrive was asked about Skinner\u2019s recent play and whether a fresh set of eyes and new mechanics have helped unlock a better version of the goaltender.<\/p>\n

McLennan said<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I will say this \u2014 a guy who worked here at TSN Radio, Andy Chiodo, unbelievable coach. He\u2019s done a great job in Pittsburgh; he\u2019s the guy who helped Tristan Jarry get his game back. And you look at what happens when Stuart Skinner goes there\u2026 I\u2019m happy for Stu Skinner. He can get out of there, get out of Edmonton, and just go play hockey,\u201d<\/p>\n

The 27-year-old Skinner has gone 7-4-0 as a Penguin while sporting a 2.31 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage along the way. He\u2019s, of course, a pending UFA in the third and final season of the three-year, $7.8 million extension signed with the Oilers back in 2022.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh is Open to Extending Stuart Skinner<\/p>\n

While the sample size remains relatively small and there\u2019s still a long way to go, Skinner\u2019s play as a Penguin has GM Kyle Dubas open to the possibility of a contract extension \u2014 something that felt like a long shot just weeks ago.<\/p>\n

\"StuartStuart Skinner Penguins<\/p>\n

Team reporter Josh Yohe recently shared some insight<\/a> into how Dubas and the Penguins view the Skinner situation moving forward. \u201cWhile it\u2019s obviously to be determined, I\u2019m under the impression that the Penguins are open to all possibilities with Skinner. If he continues to perform well, team sources have told me that the Penguins would be open to bringing him back regardless of Murashov\u2019s progression. They like Skinner as a goaltender and a person. The Penguins don\u2019t think Skinner\u2019s performance is fluky, and the door is open for him to receive a new contract this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sergei Murashov is Pittsburgh\u2019s promising 21-year-old goaltending prospect who has torn up every league he\u2019s played in, including the AHL this season with Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton. As Yohe notes, a tandem of Skinner and Murashov could work quite well, with the veteran helping take pressure off the youngster as he gets his feet wet in the NHL.<\/p>\n

How the rest of the season \u2014 and potentially the playoffs \u2014 unfolds for Skinner in Pittsburgh will play a major role in how this ultimately shakes out. That said, given the expectations immediately following the trade, things couldn\u2019t be going much better for all parties involved right now, Edmonton included.<\/p>\n

Next: Insider Doesn\u2019t Rule Out Maple Leafs Offseason William Nylander Trade<\/a><\/p>\n

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