The recent announcement of Lukas Dostal's $32.5 million contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks has ignited a flurry of discussions surrounding the future of Stuart Skinner with the Edmonton Oilers. Dostal's new deal, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $6.25 million, serves as a potential benchmark as Skinner approaches unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Skinner, currently signed to a three-year, $7.8 million contract with a $2.6 million cap hit, has been the Oilers' primary goaltender. His performance has been a subject of scrutiny, especially during the Oilers' recent Stanley Cup Final appearances. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistencies in his game have led to questions about his long-term viability as the team's undisputed number one.
In the 2024-2025 season, Skinner posted a 26-18-4 record with a 2.81 goals-against average (GAA) and an .896 save percentage in 51 regular-season games. During the playoffs, he went 7-7 with a 2.99 GAA and an .889 save percentage in 15 starts. These numbers, coupled with instances of being pulled during crucial playoff games, have fueled the debate about whether Skinner is the goalie who can lead the Oilers to a Stanley Cup.
Several factors contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Skinner's future contract negotiations. His playoff performance, particularly his struggles against low-to-medium danger shots, has been a concern. Some analysts suggest that Skinner's tendency to play further away from the net and his challenges with lateral movement have been exploited by opposing offenses. The Oilers' recent hiring of Peter Aubry as their new goaltending coach signals a clear desire to improve the team's goaltending situation and potentially unlock more consistency in Skinner's game.
The Oilers' management, led by general manager Stan Bowman, has acknowledged the need for better goaltending. While they've expressed confidence in both Skinner and Calvin Pickard, the team is actively seeking ways to elevate their performance. This could involve adjustments to their coaching approach, as evidenced by the hiring of Aubry, or potentially exploring other options in the goalie market.
The Dostal contract adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Dostal, with a smaller track record than Skinner, has now set a financial precedent for young goalies with potential. This raises the question: what is Skinner, with his greater experience but also his inconsistencies, worth on his next contract? Some fans and analysts worry that Skinner's next contract could be in the $7-8 million AAV range, a price they deem too high.
As the Oilers approach the 2025-26 season, the pressure is on Skinner to deliver a more consistent and dominant performance. His play will not only dictate the Oilers' success but also significantly influence his value in the upcoming contract negotiations. The Oilers may also consider other goaltending options via trade or free agency if they are not convinced that Skinner is their long-term solution. Names like Thatcher Demko have been floated as potential targets.
Ultimately, the Oilers' decision on Skinner will depend on a combination of factors, including his performance in the upcoming season, his development under the new goaltending coach, and the overall market for goaltenders. The $32.5 million Dostal deal has undoubtedly added a new dimension to this discussion, raising questions about the future of the Oilers' netminding situation and what price the team is willing to pay for stability and success in the crease.
