The Edmonton Oilers are in a pickle when it comes to Stuart Skinner’s next contract. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after next season. As such, there are three questions Oilers management needs to answer as Skinner’s free-agent season looms on the horizon.
So, let’s explore these questions and their potential answers. Now, I must warn readers that the answers to these questions may not be pretty.
1) Do the Oilers want to keep Stuart Skinner?
The biggest question has to be whether the Oilers really want to keep Skinner in town? This question has two possible answers.
If yes, the Oilers must determine how much he’s worth and how long they want to keep him around. Skinner is 26 at the moment and could be worthy of an eight-year deal.
But do the Oilers want to commit to Skinner for that long? Moreover, do the Oilers truly envision Skinner as their goaltender for the next decade or so?
If that’s the case, the Oilers could max out a deal for him. Perhaps now, when his value is arguably at its lowest, the Oilers could lock him up for a reasonable cap hit. If Skinner truly emerges as the undisputed number-one guy, the Oilers could have themselves a bargain.
Then, there’s the no-side of the equation. If the Oilers feel Skinner isn’t the guy they need, what happens next? Do they let him walk? Does the club trade him? Is there any middle ground? Do the Oilers go big on a marquee netminder?
Whatever the Oilers do from now until the trade deadline this season, will determine where Skinner stands with the team. While it’s unlikely the Oilers get a big-name goaltender at this time, things could change in the offseason.