Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner is choosing to block out the noise from critics and concentrate on his own performance between the pipes. Despite facing significant scrutiny from segments of the fanbase, the hometown netminder remains steadfast in his commitment to improvement.
Navigating the Pressure in Edmonton
The frustration for Stuart Skinner is palpable, but dropping the gloves in a goalie fight, perhaps by seeking advice from former Oiler Mike Smith, isn't his style. Instead, his battle is focused on a more fundamental task: stopping the puck. Skinner acknowledges the need for better results, a sentiment echoed loudly by a vocal portion of Oilers nation whose prevailing chorus has become a call for anyone else to guard the crease.
Every day seems to bring a new name into the rumor mill, with fans urging General Manager Stan Bowman to pursue a trade. The list of suggested replacements is long and varied, including established names like Jordan Binnington from St. Louis, Pittsburgh's Tristan Jarry, Columbus's Elvis Merzlikins, and even Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (UPL), despite his own recent struggles.
A Look at the Numbers and the Contract
Objectively, Skinner's current performance aligns with the value of his contract. He is playing on a deal with an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $2.6 million. This is a far cry from the $6 million commanded by Binnington or the over $5 million paid to Jarry and Merzlikins. The statistical comparison is also telling; Skinner currently possesses an .878 save percentage, which is close to Binnington's .881 mark this season.
The situation evokes memories of a previous Oilers goaltender, Devan Dubnyk. In 2014, after Dubnyk struggled mightily, then-GM Craig MacTavish orchestrated a trade to Nashville. MacTavish stated at the time that he felt it was time for a change. This began a long journey for Dubnyk, who became a target for fan frustration before eventually resurrecting his career with the Minnesota Wild.
Staying the Course Amidst the Boos
Today, that same wave of doubt is directed at Skinner. He is acutely aware of the shifting energy inside Rogers Place and the sound of boos that can follow a tough goal. However, his approach is one of controlled focus.
"You can definitely feel it, the energy (changing) in the building. You can certainly hear the boos. Can’t really do much about that, can’t control what other people think. They can do whatever they want," Skinner stated.
His philosophy is simple and resolute: "My job is to keep truckin’ along here." This mindset persists even as the Oilers navigate a period of broader team challenges, including issues with defensive-zone coverage, inconsistent compete level in puck battles, a lack of collective pushback when challenged, and offensive production that leans heavily on Connor McDavid (97) and Leon Draisaitl (29), with support from players like Jack Roslovic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
