Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman has made a bold move, trading goaltender Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry, a move that has sparked considerable debate and raises questions about Bowman's long-term vision for the team. The trade, executed on Friday, December 12, 2025, also saw the Oilers send defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick to Pittsburgh, while acquiring prospect Sam Poulin in addition to Jarry. In a separate transaction the same day, Bowman added defensive depth by acquiring Spencer Stastney from the Nashville Predators for a 2027 third-round pick.
Bowman, who took over as the Oilers' General Manager on July 24, 2024, explained that the Skinner trade was less about Skinner's performance and more about the need for a change. He emphasized the organization's confidence in Jarry, highlighting his consistent performance prior to last season. "I just felt it was time for something different," Bowman stated. He also noted Jarry will meet the team in Toronto ahead of Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs.
The move comes amid increasing pressure to maximize the championship window while Connor McDavid remains in Edmonton. Skinner, an Edmonton native, had led the Oilers to two consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, both ending in defeat against the Florida Panthers. However, his inconsistency in both the regular season and playoffs prompted Bowman to seek an alternative.
Jarry, also with Edmonton ties as a former Memorial Cup champion with the Edmonton Oil Kings, has a less impressive playoff record than Skinner. Skinner boasts a 26-22 playoff record with a 2.88 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage, compared to Jarry's 2-6 record with a 3.00 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. Bowman addressed this discrepancy, suggesting that team trajectory plays a significant role in playoff success. He highlighted Jarry's body of work over several years, implying that his previous struggles might be linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins' recent performance.
The acquisition of Stastney adds a left-shot defenseman to the Oilers' roster. Stastney has 18 points in 81 career AHL games. Poulin, a former first-round pick, will be assigned to the Condors.
Bowman's tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he served as General Manager from 2009 to 2021, was marked by considerable success, including three Stanley Cups. However, his time in Chicago was also overshadowed by controversy, as he resigned in 2021 following an investigation into his handling of a sexual assault allegation within the team. He was reinstated by the NHL in July 2024, before being hired by the Oilers.
The trade for Jarry represents a significant gamble for Bowman and the Oilers. While Jarry has the potential to provide stability in net, his past inconsistencies raise concerns. Time will tell whether Bowman's long-term vision will pay off, or if the Oilers will find themselves back at square one.
