Oilers analyst hints at Stuart Skinner trade for $26.8M star goalie shockingly sooner than expected

NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Ottawa Senators - Source: Imagn
NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Ottawa Senators - Source: Imagn

The Edmonton Oilers are once again at the center of a major trade rumor concerning goalie Stuart Skinner after analyst Tyler Yaremchuk suggested a move could happen very soon. The Oilers have struggled this season, with just 10 wins in 25 games. They are allowing 3.72 goals per game, tied for 31st in the league.

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During a segment on Oilers Nation, Yaremchuk asked if the team would trade Stuart Skinner before next Thursday. He said insiders such as Ryan Rishaug and Elliotte Friedman believe Skinner will not finish the season in Edmonton.

"I think he's gone," Yaremchuk said. "Rishaug goes on Bob's show and says pretty definitively that, like, Stuart Skinner's not finishing the year here. Bob doesn't really seem to push back on it. Friedman has his 32 thoughts, ... for a guy like Friedman to be talking the way he's talking, he knows something.
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"So he goes, I don't like to overreact to one game for Edmonton. This is more than one game after Tuesday's 8-3 [loss], Dallas destruction. The Oilers have no choice but to ask themselves if it's time to trade Stuart Skinner for their benefit and his."

The Oilers lost 8-3 to Dallas on Tuesday, adding more pressure on their goaltending. They have previously lost 9-1 to the Colorado Avalanche, followed by a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

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Edmonton owns one of the worst team save percentages in the league this season. Yaremchuk mentioned that Skinner has a strong contract but has not played well enough for the team to rely on him. The Oilers may now be open to a trade even if the return is not a major upgrade.

"I understood their philosophy, don't waste resources on a lateral move, because with limited chips, you might only get one shot at being right," Yaremchuk said. "And then he goes on to say they had to know they were getting a guaranteed upgrade to give up on Skinner because of how good his contract was.
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"Now you have to ask yourself, are you losing by not trying to come out even? Is there a situation where you feel like someone will be rejuvenated in Edmonton, like Skinner might be elsewhere,"

One name linked to the Oilers is Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry, who is signed on a five-year, $26.875 million contract. Yaremchuk said he would not be surprised if Jarry became an Oiler by next week.

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"I would not be the least bit surprised if by next Thursday, Jarry is an Oiler, Skinner's not." Yaremchuk said.
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Tristan Jarry's strong start amid Stuart Skinner's struggles

Tristan Jarry has a 5-2-0 record with a 2.60 goals against average and a .911 save percentage this season. His deal expires in 2028, making him a possible long-term option for Edmonton.

Meanwhile, Stuart Skinner is in the last year of his three-year, $7.8 million contract with a $2.6 million cap hit. His deal runs until 2026, and he has shown inconsistency this season. He has an 8-7-3 record and an .878 save percentage, raising concerns.

Many of his struggles come from defensive issues in front of him, but the team may want a fresh start. Any potential deal would require salary retention by Pittsburgh due to Edmonton’s cap situation. The rumor continues to gain attention as the Oilers look for stability in net.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar
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