As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, Stuart Skinner has become a focal point among hockey fans and analysts due to his mixed playoff performances. The Edmonton-born goaltender faced criticism for his recent subpar showings during the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers, raising questions about his future with the team amid ongoing trade rumors.
Skinner’s postseason was marked by inconsistency. After a weak start against the Los Angeles Kings, he rebounded strongly in series against the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars. However, his form dipped again in critical moments against the Florida Panthers, who ultimately captured the Stanley Cup. This pattern has intensified scrutiny on the Oilers’ goaltending, especially given the team’s otherwise resilient defense.
Evaluating Skinner’s Contributions and Comparisons
Despite recent criticisms, Skinner’s playoff record includes impressive achievements. Over the last two postseasons, he outperformed several high-profile goaltenders. Notably, he bested Dallas Stars All-Star Jake Oettinger in two Western Conference Finals series and also surpassed performances by Cam Talbot of the Los Angeles Kings and Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights in earlier playoff rounds.
Though Skinner’s play was notable, his competitor Adin Hill was chosen over him for the Team Canada Olympic Orientation Camp held in Calgary, signaling that Hill currently holds the edge in national team consideration.
Potential Trade Destinations: Bruins and Sabres in Focus
With trade talks gaining momentum, two NHL teams have emerged as frontrunners interested in acquiring Skinner: the Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres. The Bruins’ goaltending roster already includes Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo, suggesting that any trade involving Skinner could be more about organizational strategy than immediate roster changes.
A significant factor driving a potential deal with Boston is the Oilers’ interest in Michael DiPietro, a promising prospect from Windsor, Ontario. DiPietro impressed while playing for the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League last season, posting strong numbers with a 2.05 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.
The Buffalo Sabres also present a viable trade partner, particularly because the Oilers have shown interest in their young goaltender Devon Levi. Levi, from Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, exhibited solid AHL statistics with Rochester Americans—2.20 goals-against and a .919 save percentage—but struggled somewhat during his limited nine-game NHL stint last season, recording a 4.12 goals-against average and a .872 save percentage.
Significance of Potential Moves and Outlook for the Season
The Yellow and Black organization’s defensive depth makes goaltending a central area for improvement or adjustment heading into the season. Skinner’s uncertain form in clutch moments means a trade could reshape the goalkeeping landscape not only for Edmonton but for the teams potentially acquiring him.
Boston and Buffalo’s involvement in these talks signals a strategic effort to reinforce their own goaltending units, possibly shaking up the league’s balance of power. Any move involving Skinner will be closely watched, as it likely impacts playoff hopes and long-term roster building for the franchises involved.