10 Highest-paid goaltenders in the NHL and how Stuart Skinner matches up

As Oilers fans will probably be well aware, last month the NHL Network revealed their rankings for the top 10 goalies in the league as of right now. At the time, we wrote our belief that they had made a huge mistake in snubbing Stuart Skinner.

We put our position down to Skinner ranking favourably in a number of categories, when compared to the 10 goalies who were selected. This included being tied-second for wins, tied-third for quality starts, seventh for Goals Against Average and ninth in save percentage.

Let's also not forget the not-so-little fact of the 25-year-old backstopping the Oilers all the way to game seven of the Stanley Cup Final. Throw in his age as tied-youngest compared to the 10 selected goalies, and it is our humble opinion the NHL Network really did screw up in their rankings by omitting him.

Skinner is a godsend for the Oilers

Regardless, it doesn't change the reality that the Oilers and their fans are fortunate to have Skinner in goal for them. While he does still need to work on his consistency, the talent and mental fortitude is there to be a success in Edmonton for a long time to come.

Another thing the list got us thinking about, was how Skinner compares from a financial compensation position. Here is a look at the top-10 paid goalies in the NHL right now, based on Average Annual Value (AAV):

Clearly this shows the Oilers are getting a bargain right now with Skinner, who still has two seasons remaining on his current deal. However, when looking at the other AAVs on the list, it does make you wonder about what he will get with his next contract?

A look ahead to Skinner's next contract

Of relevance to this, the 2023 NHL All-Star made the news early last month, after his decision to change agents. As we wrote at the time, the move was confirmed by Ray Petkau of Alpha Hockey, the agency which replaced J.P. Barry as the netminder's representation.

One of Petkau's other client's is Connor Hellebuyck of the Jets, who is just coming off winning his second Vezina Trophy. He is about to begin the second season of a seven-year, $59.5 million deal which was agreed through Alpha Hockey.

Now, this does not necessarily indicate we see the agency getting Skinner a jump from $2.6 million per season all the way up to $8.5 million like Hellebuyck, on his next contract. At the same time though, the Edmonton native clearly made the move to them, because he believes they will be able to help him.

Of course, ultimately it will come down to what Skinner does on the ice between the pipes. However, if his NHL career up to this point is any indication, he's going to be positioned favourably when it comes time to negotiate his next contract.

N.B. All facts and figures courtesy of Spotrac

Recent Posts