Stuart Skinner, the Edmonton Oilers goaltender, is changing how he prepares during the offseason as he looks toward the 2025-26 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL season. After returning to the ice too early last year following the Oilers’ loss in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, Skinner decided to prioritize rest this summer, believing it will help him return stronger and more refreshed.
Earlier, Skinner resumed skating on August 1 in Kelowna, British Columbia, but he now feels that rushing back was not the best choice. Instead, this offseason has focused more on recovery before ramping up his training.
“Going into the season, I want to be as fresh as I can, as strong as I can,” Skinner said on Sunday, via NHL.com.
He explained that taking an extended break from the rink renewed both his energy and enthusiasm for hockey, emphasizing that downtime is as vital as his on-ice work.
Lessons from Consecutive Stanley Cup Final Appearances
The Oilers suffered back-to-back Stanley Cup Final defeats against the Florida Panthers, experiences Skinner believes carry important lessons despite the disappointment. Having gone through the heartbreak twice, he feels the team is better equipped to overcome such setbacks moving forward.
“Going through it a second time, which is obviously devastating, but being able to say you went through this does actually help you get over it quicker,” Skinner said.
He sees the recent playoff runs as opportunities to prepare more effectively in the future and maintain encouragement within the team.
Skinner’s Performance and Career Progression with Edmonton
The upcoming season will be Skinner’s fifth with the Oilers, having been drafted in the third round of 2017. His 2023-24 regular season included 51 games, where he posted a 26-18-4 record, a 2.81 goals-against average (GAA), and three shutouts. In the playoffs, Skinner went 7-7 with a 3.00 GAA and added three shutouts.
While Skinner stood out during the series against the Dallas Stars, his performance in the Final against Florida was more inconsistent, a challenge he is determined to overcome by improving his offseason routine.
Expectations and Contract Talks Shape Skinner’s Future in Edmonton
As Skinner approaches a critical stage in his career, ongoing contract negotiations have begun although his current deal extends through the 2025-26 season with a $2.6 million cap hit. Despite a dip in form during 2024-25, Edmonton fans and analysts remain hopeful about his long-term value to the team.
Zach Laing, a writer for Oilers Nation, used projections from Evolving Hockey to forecast that Skinner might secure a five-year extension with an average annual value of $6.817 million. This scenario holds roughly a 22% likelihood, according to Laing’s analysis.
“The predicted, or most likely deal is a five-year extension carrying a $6.817-million cap hit,” Laing wrote on August 10.
Reflecting on his rapid rise, Skinner acknowledged the fast pace of his career development and credited his teammates for the support he has received along the way.
“There’s been a lot of things going on in a compressed amount of time,” Skinner said on Sunday, via NHL.com. “I think being able to be in the position that I’m in and being able to do what I’ve done with an amazing group of guys, it’s pretty cool.”
The Oilers organization remains confident in Skinner, pointing to his strong showings in certain playoff series as evidence of his potential to be a key part of their future roster.
Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 NHL Season
With a renewed approach that values rest and recovery, Stuart Skinner aims to make a stronger impact in the next NHL season. His experience from recent deep playoff runs, combined with strategic offseason preparation, positions him to rebound after last year’s challenges. Contract talks that could extend his time with the Oilers also indicate belief in his abilities as a cornerstone goaltender. The upcoming season will be closely watched by fans and management hoping that Skinner’s adjustments result in greater consistency and success.