Trading Stuart Skinner just for the sake of making a move could be a costly mistake for the Edmonton Oilers. But here's where it gets controversial: while his inconsistent performances have sparked heated debates among fans, is letting go of a 26-year-old goaltender with back-to-back Stanley Cup appearances really the answer? Let’s dive in.
Stuart Skinner’s recent performances have been a rollercoaster. He shone in a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Chicago last Saturday, but prior to that, he allowed at least three goals in each of his three previous starts. So far this season, his stats stand at a 4-3-2 record, a .900 save percentage, a 2.52 goals-against average, and one shutout. These numbers aren’t stellar, but they also don’t paint the picture of a goaltender who’s beyond redemption.
For years, upgrading the goaltending position has been seen as the missing piece for the Oilers to finally hoist the Stanley Cup. However, at just 26, Skinner is still in the early stages of his career, and writing him off now might be premature. And this is the part most people miss: trading him solely to address inconsistency could backfire, especially if the available options on the market don’t offer a significant upgrade.
On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton tackled this very issue. Yaremchuk questioned whether Skinner could become a cap casualty if the Oilers decide to pursue an upgrade. With a $2.6 million cap hit, is it worth moving on from him for a marginal improvement? Hutton agreed, calling it a tough decision. While Skinner’s Jekyll-and-Hyde performances often draw criticism—some of it justified—Hutton pointed out the challenges of finding an affordable replacement in the current market. Trading Skinner, he argued, could signal desperation, making the Oilers vulnerable to unfavorable deals.
Here’s the bold question: Is it wiser to stick with Skinner, who’s proven he can rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations, or risk trading him for an unproven upgrade? Let’s not forget, he’s only 26 and has already been part of two Stanley Cup runs. What do you think? Are the Oilers better off giving Skinner more time to find consistency, or should they explore other options? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
