Change has followed the Penguins this season, especially in goal. Pittsburgh has used several goalies while trying to stay in the playoff race. One recent move changed the crease and brought a familiar goalie to a new team.
That move also led to an honest comment from the goalie involved.
Stuart Skinner Opens Up After Penguins Trade, Admits He’s Moved On From Life With the Oilers
Stuart Skinner has already found his fit with the Pittsburgh Penguins after his December trade from the Edmonton Oilers. One month into the move, he said the change felt easier than expected. “I already kind of forget what it was like in Edmonton,” Skinner said in a recent interview. His comment showed how comfortable he feels in his new role, despite moving away from his hometown.
The Penguins acquired Skinner after sending away goalie Tristan Jarry in a trade that involved some other assets from both sides. The move brought more focus on a team already rotating goalies, because Pittsburgh has used four goaltenders this season. However, since the trade, Skinner has brought stability during his starts, even when the team’s play in front of him has slipped.
Back in December, General Manager Kyle Dubas explained why the Penguins trusted Skinner. “I think for us, the message to the room is that Stu Skinner has had a very good run in Edmonton as well. I know this year didn’t start off the way that he or the team would have wanted it to, but I think especially of late, he’s been back playing his game to the level that he’s expected,” Dubas said, via NHL.
He added, “There’s very few goalies in the League that have that linear progression night after night.” Dubas also noted that team play often impacts goaltending results.
READ MORE: Penguins News and Rumors: Ex-Oilers Goalie Stuart Skinner’s Future Still Undecided
Skinner is 27 and brings calm play to the crease. Edmonton drafted him in the third round in 2017. He plays a simple style, tracks the puck well, and keeps rebounds low. But Skinner is in the last year of his current three-year contract. So, the Penguins will have to extend their goalie if they want to keep him in goal.
Pittsburgh returns to action on Jan. 17 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins sit at 22-14-10 in a tight Eastern Conference race. They will need steady goaltending to stay in a position to contend for the playoffs. Meanwhile, for Skinner, the focus remains on the present, and Pittsburgh already feels familiar.
