While the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly focusing on key contract extensions for players like Connor McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Vasily Podkolzin, the situation surrounding goaltender Stuart Skinner remains less clear. Skinner, who is entering the final year of his three-year, $7.8 million contract with a $2.6 million cap hit, could become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Skinner's Performance and Potential Extension

Skinner has been the Oilers' starting goalie for the past few seasons, but his performance has been inconsistent, particularly in the playoffs. Despite leading the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances, he has been pulled in several games, raising questions about his long-term future with the team.

However, Skinner's overall record and the importance of his role to the Oilers suggest that he is still a valuable asset. NHL insider Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal believes that Skinner could command over $6 million per season on his next contract. Leavins pointed to the recent contract extension signed by Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks (5 years, $6.25 million AAV) as a potential blueprint for Skinner's deal.

"Comparing the two: Luka Dostal is twenty-five. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 50 GP, a GAA around 3.22, a SV% of about .903. Dostal has no playoff experience. Skinner has played thirty-eight post-season games the past two years and is twenty-six,” Leavins wrote. “Over the same two-year stretch? Skinner is averaging 55 GP...".

Oilers' Priorities and Cap Considerations

The Oilers have several key players to re-sign in the near future, including Connor McDavid, whose next contract is expected to be record-breaking. McDavid is eligible to sign an extension, and insider Bob Stauffer has suggested that an extension could be completed by August 28. Extending defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman are also reportedly priorities for the team.

With limited cap space, the Oilers may need to make tough decisions about which players to prioritize. Paying Skinner upwards of $6 million per season could be a "tough pill to swallow" for some fans, especially given his inconsistent performance. However, the Oilers may not have many other viable options in net.

Potential Trade Scenarios

Given the Oilers' goaltending situation and their need to manage the salary cap, there have been rumors that Skinner could be a trade candidate. Allan Mitchell of The Athletic listed Skinner as a prime trade candidate, suggesting that he could be involved in a deal for a goalie upgrade.

However, trading Skinner would create a hole in the Oilers' roster, and finding a suitable replacement via trade or free agency could be challenging. The Oilers also have Calvin Pickard, who is also entering the final year of his contract.

Other Offseason Moves

The Oilers have been active this offseason, making several additions to their forward group. They signed Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract and acquired Isaac Howard in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. They also signed Curtis Lazar to a one-year deal.

Notable departures include Connor Brown, Corey Perry, and Evander Kane. The Oilers also extended Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $42 million contract and Trent Frederic to an eight-year, $30.5 million deal.

The Road Ahead

As the Oilers look ahead to the 2025-26 season, the focus will be on solidifying their roster and making another push for the Stanley Cup. While extending Connor McDavid and other key players is a priority, the Oilers will also need to address their goaltending situation. Whether that means signing Skinner to an extension, exploring trade options, or giving Calvin Pickard a bigger role remains to be seen.