Dustin Wolf's recent contract extension with the Calgary Flames has sent ripples throughout the NHL, particularly impacting the Edmonton Oilers and their goaltender, Stuart Skinner. The extension, a seven-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million, sets a new benchmark for young, promising goaltenders in the league. This development inevitably influences the Oilers' strategy regarding Skinner's future contract, potentially reshaping expectations and timelines.

The Goaltending Landscape

Wolf's contract is significant because it establishes a high-value precedent for a goalie with limited NHL experience. At 24 years old, with just 71 NHL games under his belt, Wolf's $7.5 million AAV places him among the top-paid netminders in the league. This is noteworthy considering he has yet to participate in any NHL playoff games. For comparison, the deal is $1.25 million more than what Lukas Dostal received in Anaheim, another restricted free agent with more games played.

This contract reflects the Flames' confidence in Wolf as their goalie of the future, rewarding his performance and potential. He has consistently defied expectations, overcoming doubts about his size to become one of the most highly-regarded goalie prospects. His first season as a starter saw him post a .910 save percentage.

Impact on Stuart Skinner

Skinner, the Oilers' primary goaltender, is approaching unrestricted free agency (UFA) next July 1st. He is currently playing on a "bargain-basement" contract with a $2.6 million AAV. Given his performance and the Oilers' reliance on him, he is due for a significant raise. However, Wolf's extension complicates the situation.

Skinner, who turns 27 in November, has played more NHL games than Wolf, including 50 playoff games and two trips to the Stanley Cup Final. Despite facing criticism, he has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and has more playoff wins than Connor Hellebuyck. In his first full season as an NHL starter, Skinner had better numbers than Wolf.

The Oilers are likely in a "wait and see" mode, evaluating Skinner's performance in the upcoming season before committing to a long-term extension. While there's been talk of extending defenseman Jake Walman's contract, discussions with Skinner have been minimal. Skinner needs a strong regular season to secure a lucrative contract.

Shaping Expectations

Wolf's contract could inflate the perceived value of goaltenders across the league, influencing Skinner's camp to seek a higher AAV. However, the Oilers will likely consider Skinner's overall body of work, including his playoff experience and consistency, when determining his worth.

The Oilers might also be wary of committing too much money to a goaltender, especially given the inherent volatility of the position. They may prefer a shorter-term deal or explore other options if Skinner's demands are too high. Some argue that if the Oilers had offered Skinner a contract early in his career, similar to Wolf's deal, it would have been criticized, while Calgary is being praised.

Ultimately, Dustin Wolf's extension adds another layer of complexity to the Oilers' negotiation with Stuart Skinner. It serves as a reminder of the rising cost of goaltending and the importance of making sound long-term investments in netminders.