The early weeks of the NHL season have brought mixed emotions for Edmonton and their goalie Stuart Skinner. After a shaky start and a narrow recovery win, the spotlight has turned toward the man in the crease. Confidence in the Oilers’ netminding has been fragile for some time, and patience may already be wearing thin. The next few games could mean everything.
How Long Will the Oilers Keep Their Faith in Stuart Skinner?
TSN insider Ryan Rishaug believes Edmonton is closely monitoring their goaltending situation, specifically, Skinner’s response under pressure. Speaking on Oilers Now, Rishaug didn’t mince words.
“They’re going to let it ride here with Skinner for a little bit,” he said, noting that the team still intends to give him a fair stretch to prove himself.
But that stretch might not be long. “If Stuart Skinner is not capable of handling this, he won’t be here,” Rishaug added. “He will not be in net for game one of the playoffs. If he does not clearly show to the team this year that he’s going to do a better job of handling that than he has in the past.”
Co-host Bob Stauffer agreed, calling Skinner “on the clock.”
Skinner, now 26, enters his fourth full season as the Oilers’ starter. Despite flashes of brilliance, his numbers have slipped slightly each year.
Rishaug pointed out that a new goaltending coach has been working with Skinner this season. Edmonton’s management reportedly wants to see whether these adjustments translate to better results. “It’s not a great start,” Rishaug said, referencing Skinner’s early struggles. “But they’ve committed to seeing what they have for a chunk of time.”
Backup Calvin Pickard, who impressed in spurts last year, could see more time if Skinner falters. Edmonton also traded for Connor Ingram earlier this month, giving general manager Stan Bowman another potential option should changes be needed.
All Eyes on Skinner
Pressure on Stuart Skinner isn’t new. In Edmonton, every goal allowed is magnified, especially with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading a team built to win now. Skinner’s mistakes, like the costly misplay in the season opener against Calgary, draw louder reactions simply because expectations are sky-high.
Still, he showed resilience in the following games, helping the Oilers settle after a turbulent start. “Don’t panic if you’re an Oilers fan,” Rishaug reminded listeners. “Stan Bowman is able to get things done, and when he decides something needs to be done now, it’ll probably get done.”
Skinner rebounded in emphatic fashion, stopping all 30 shots he faced in a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers. It was his 99th career victory and first shutout of the season, coming at a moment when confidence around him seemed fragile.
That win could ripple through the locker room. Still, the situation remains delicate. Skinner’s expiring contract and the presence of two capable backups mean every outing carries added weight.
Skinner’s focus, teammates say, remains steady. The organization continues to publicly back him, but insiders suggest the leash isn’t long. Edmonton’s pursuit of playoff consistency could soon test its patience once again.
The Oilers next face the New York Islanders, and for Skinner, that game may serve as another crucial checkpoint.
