The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2025-26 season with Stanley Cup aspirations, but a shaky start and inconsistent goaltending ultimately led to significant changes, most notably the departure of Stuart Skinner. While Skinner's overall performance with the Oilers showed promise, his early-season struggles and the team's slow start created a situation where a change in net became inevitable.

The Oilers' faith in Skinner as their long-term solution in goal began to waver early in the season. Despite entering training camp lighter and more focused, Skinner's first regular-season game against the Calgary Flames offered worrying signs. A miscommunication with defenseman Evan Bouchard led to a critical turnover and a goal against, shifting the game's momentum and ultimately resulting in a shootout loss for the Oilers. This single mistake, in a game where the Oilers held a 3-0 lead, underscored the pressure Skinner faced and the short leash he was on.

Critics and fans alike pointed to Skinner's inconsistency as a major concern. While capable of making spectacular saves, he was also prone to mental lapses and soft goals. This inconsistency undermined the team's confidence and raised questions about their ability to win a Stanley Cup with Skinner as their starting goalie.

The Oilers' early-season struggles weren't solely Skinner's fault. A disjointed team effort, characterized by loose defensive coverage and inconsistent backchecking, created a challenging environment for any goalie. The team's inability to defend effectively in front of Skinner eroded his confidence and negatively impacted his numbers.

As the losses mounted, General Manager Stan Bowman felt compelled to act. Despite reported interest in other goaltending options during the offseason, the Oilers opted to start the season with Skinner and Calvin Pickard, hoping that a new goalie coach, Peter Aubrey, could help them reach their potential. However, with the team underperforming and Skinner's inconsistency persisting, Bowman ultimately decided that a change was necessary.

On December 12, 2025, the Oilers traded Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin. While the move was intended to provide an upgrade in net, it was not without risk. Jarry's subsequent injury further complicated the situation, leaving the Oilers with Connor Ingram as their starter and raising questions about the team's organizational depth in goal.

The Oilers' early-season struggles and the subsequent trade of Stuart Skinner highlight the importance of consistent goaltending and a strong team effort. While Skinner possessed the potential to be a top-tier goalie, his inconsistency and the team's defensive shortcomings ultimately led to his departure. The Oilers now face the challenge of finding stability in net and building a cohesive team that can contend for a Stanley Cup.