Stuart Skinner signed a three-year, $7.8 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. It has an average annual value of $2.6 million.
The 24-year-old goalie could have been a restricted free agent after this season. He’s 9-8-1 with a 2.83 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 19 games (18 starts) this season.
“It was just good timing for both of us,” Skinner said after the Oilers morning skate at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Monday. “I think obviously when somebody signs you to an extended contract, it’s very exciting for you. It’s one of those things you’ve been waiting for your whole life. So, it was something I’m very excited about and I’m happy. I’m able to be here the next three years.”
Skinner said contract negotiations between Oilers general manager Ken Holland and his agent, JP Barry, began a few weeks ago. He said he signed the contract Sunday.
“They came up with the deal,” Skinner said. “I got a few phone calls from my agent, JP, and they were obviously nice conversations to have, something that makes you really excited about the future.”
Skinner has shared time with Jack Campbell, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract ($5 million average annual value) July 13 but is 8-6-1 with a 4.02 GAA and .876 save percentage. The third-round pick (No. 78) in the 2017 NHL Draft is an Edmonton native who made frequent trips to Rexall Place, the Oilers former arena, while growing up.
“I mean, it just gives you another three years. I get to live at home, I get to live where I grew up,” Skinner said. “I get to play for the Oilers, which is the team I have always wanted to play for and the team I grew up watching and idolizing. It’s very, very special for myself that I got to grow up there and sign another deal for another. three years with the Oilers. That’s very, very special. I’m extremely grateful.”
Skinner entered this season as Campbell’s backup after Mike Smith was placed on long-term injured reserve and Mikko Koskinen signed with Lugano in Switzerland.
“I’ve always felt comfortable with Stuart,” said Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, who also coached Skinner in Bakersfield from 2018 to Feb. 2022. “He’s somebody who I think is a great example of not skipping any steps along the way. His development process has been correct.”
NHL.com independent correspondent John Glennon contributed to this report
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