Ex-Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner set to get big promotion
Stuart Skinner may quickly find himself as the starting goaltender for a Canadian NHL team once again.
Things have been a bit rocky for Skinner ever since he was traded away from the Edmonton Oilers last season. He had an up-and-down tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins that ended with a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. He then tested free agency for the first time this summer, where he landed a two-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets that carries a $3.75-million cap hit.
At first, it appeared that Skinner would be coming to the Jets to back up superstar Connor Hellebuyck, but that may not be the case anymore. Hellebuyck went public with a trade request last week, meaning that the Jets’ franchise cornerstone could be playing on another team before the season starts.
If that happens, Skinner is in line to be Winnipeg’s starting goalie.
Statement from Connor Hellebuyck: pic.twitter.com/hW8sNw1LJi
— Ray Petkau (@RayPetkau) August 27, 2026
The 27-year-old Edmonton native would have his work cut out for him with a Jets team that is coming off a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. Despite winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2025, Winnipeg failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, despite having Hellebuyck as their starting goaltender.
Things don’t appear set to get any better for the Jets, as they haven’t made any big, impactful additions this summer that would make their playoff odds any better. Adding Skinner may have been an upgrade in the backup goalie position, but he would be a considerable downgrade over Hellebuyck as a starting goaltender.
That isn’t to say that Skinner wouldn’t be a serviceable replacement. Despite his struggles with the Oilers over recent years, Stu posted a winning record of 23-17-9 last season and a stellar GSAx of +8.3. His .888 save percentage could be improved upon, however.
If Skinner takes over the Winnipeg starting job, Oilers fans can expect to see him play in Edmonton for the first time since the trade as soon as Jan. 17, when the Jets visit Rogers Place this upcoming season.