Edmonton Oilers: Stuart Skinner Shining Among Prospects
By Sammi Silber
The Edmonton Oilers rookies won their second consecutive game in the Young Stars Tournament Saturday, defeating the Winnipeg Jets rookies 3-0.
Though big-name prospects like Kailer Yamamoto sat out of this contest, there was still a lot of star power from the rookie Oilers. However, a lot of the story revolved around Stuart Skinner, who completely stole the show.
He stopped all 26 shots he faced against Winnipeg and made his job look easy. The 18-year-old didn’t have trouble with many of the shots, turning them away easily. His true potential though, showed through a diving save he made on Jets prospect Skyler McKenzie. After McKenzie was right at the doorstep, Skinner slid across, diving to stop the puck with his glove. It was a save that showed not only his quickness but his hockey sense and overall athleticism.
His true potential though, showed through a diving save he made on Jets prospect Skyler McKenzie. After McKenzie was right at the doorstep, Skinner slid across, diving to stop the puck with his glove. It was a save that showed not only his quickness but his hockey sense and overall athleticism.
Another look at that @ssskipy_74 showstopper. #YoungStars pic.twitter.com/PMjCogEuaj
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 10, 2017
Edmonton Oilers
After McKenzie was right at the doorstep, Skinner slid across, diving to stop the puck with his glove. It was a save that showed not only his quickness but his hockey sense and overall athleticism.
The Oilers traded up in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft to take the Edmonton native 78th overall, and he was among the top goalie prospects available this year. At 6-foot-4, 207 pounds, Skinner is a big, agile goaltender who makes himself a monster in the crease.
In 60 regular season games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes this past season, the 18-year-old went 34-18-2 with a 3.26 GAA and .905 save percentage. Though those numbers aren’t the most impressive, he did boast a .916 save mark through 20 playoff games.
In addition to his size, the Edmonton native has great movement and can get across quickly, and is also good at keeping up with the play and following the puck. He also works well under pressure and shines in critical scenarios.
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Overall, the future is bright for Skinner, and if continues to shine, he is bound to rise as one of the most promising goaltending prospects.