The Edmonton Oilers have experienced significant changes during the offseason, involving key players and raising speculation about Stuart Skinner Oilers trade rumors as the 2025 NHL season approaches. Following major roster moves and contract extensions, insiders have identified several players, including Skinner and winger Vasily Podkolzin, as potential trade candidates.
Oilers’ Offseason Player Moves and Contract Extensions
Throughout the offseason, Edmonton offloaded notable players such as Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson via trade. Additionally, core roster members including Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Jeff Skinner, and John Klingberg departed in free agency. Despite these losses, the team secured the future of some key contributors, locking in defenseman Evan Bouchard with a four-year contract worth $42 million. Forward Trent Frederic also agreed to an eight-year extension valued at $30.5 million. Short-term deals were finalized with Noah Philip and Kasperi Kapanen, each receiving one-year agreements to remain with the Oilers.
Stuart Skinner and Other Trade Candidates in the Spotlight
According to Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season could see Edmonton trading several players, headlined by No. 1 goaltender Stuart Skinner and winger Vasily Podkolzin. Mitchell emphasized Skinner’s exceptional value, both within the Oilers and on the trade market, particularly noting the potential for Skinner to be included in discussions aimed at acquiring a goalie upgrade.
“Stuart Skinner has exceptional value, both to the current edition of the Oilers and on the open market. Skinner could be involved in a trade for a goalie upgrade. He would be part of the ask,” —Allan Mitchell, The Athletic
The 26-year-old goaltender’s $2.6 million average annual value (AAV) for the next season is considered highly cost-effective for a starting goalie with playoff experience, having participated in deep runs with Edmonton in recent years. Alongside Skinner, 24-year-old winger Vasily Podkolzin has drawn trade attention as well, especially after spending significant ice time on Leon Draisaitl’s line, where the duo combined for 2.17 points per 60 minutes and Podkolzin accounted for a 59 percent goal share.
“If Podkolzin falters (to remain productive), an NHL team may ask after him, and Bowman could cash in his young winger for help elsewhere,” —Allan Mitchell, The Athletic
Mitchell also named Matt Savoie, Beau Akey, and Maxin Berezkin among the Oilers’ prospects who could be considered for trades as the team evaluates its roster moving forward.
Defensemen Ekholm and Walman Expected to Sign Extensions
Edmonton is reportedly close to extending contracts for defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman, according to team insider Bob Stauffer. Both players are entering the final years of their current deals and will become unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2026. Stauffer noted the Oilers’ intent to retain them, likely reflecting their importance to the defensive core.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if the Oilers extended Matthias Ekholm, maybe even this summer. Jake Walman is going to get extended too. You could pretty much bet on that,” —Bob Stauffer, Oilers Insider
If Ekholm agrees to stay, his cap hit is expected to decrease to below $6.25 million, which would be beneficial under the team’s salary cap. Walman, currently earning $3.4 million, is anticipated to seek a raise in line with the increasing NHL salary ceiling.
Implications for the Edmonton Oilers’ Roster and Future
The movement surrounding Stuart Skinner Oilers trade rumors, alongside the prospect-driven approach to roster management, signals that Edmonton may be actively retooling for both short- and long-term competitiveness. Skinner’s inclusion as a trade asset highlights how the team values balancing cost-effective contracts with on-ice performance. Meanwhile, retaining key defensemen such as Ekholm and Walman suggests a commitment to stability on the blue line.
As the 2025 NHL season draws nearer, these potential trades and extensions will likely influence Edmonton’s salary cap flexibility and core lineup. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the Oilers prioritize acquiring upgrades, managing youth talent, and maintaining competitiveness around stars like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Stuart Skinner an all-star?
A. Remember when Stuart Skinner was enjoying himself in Florida as a star player in the NHL All-Star game. Photo courtesy of the Edmonton Oilers.
Q. Is Stuart Skinner an all-star?
A. Skinner, who was chosen as an NHL All-Star, was also one of the final candidates for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s best rookie.