Former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner is quickly beginning to turn his 2025-26 season around.
After plenty of deliberation, the Oilers finally chose to move on from Skinner, trading him, Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to the Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry and Sam Poulin. Skinner had struggled prior to the move with a 2.83 GAA and a .891 SV% in 23 appearances.
Things didn’t get any better for Skinner when he first arrived in Pittsburgh. His first start, which happened to come against the Oilers, saw him allow five goals on just 22 shots. He then allowed a combined seven goals on 42 shots over his next two starts, giving him a .813 SV% to begin his Penguins career.
Rather than continuing to falter, however, Skinner has been able to turn things around as of late.
The 27-year-old was able to kick aside 28 of 29 shots he faced on Thursday in a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. It was arguably the best start of his Penguins tenure, one in which Sidney Crosby recognized, giving him the player of the game hat.
“Send him to the mines.” 😂
pic.twitter.com/cgeAXKjsdG
— Game Notes (@GameNotesBud) January 9, 2026
“Hell of a job, boys,” Skinner said to his new teammates. “Big time on the special teams. Way to get it done.”
Over his last three starts, all of which have been wins, he’s allowed just three goals on a combined 66 shots. His improved play has been a major boost to the Pens, who have won six in a row and sit in the top wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.
Whether Skinner can keep this going remains to be seen. He was always capable of going through hot stretches during his time in Edmonton, but struggled with consistency. Either way, it’s great to see him turn things around after what was an ugly start with his new organization.
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