The Edmonton Oilers will look noticeably different when training camp opens in September. The roster has gone through a series of changes that saw several beloved names depart and there’s an uneasy feeling that the team might have taken a step backward after back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers.
Evander Kane was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in late June for a draft pick. Veteran Corey Perry chose to sign with the Los Angeles Kings. Connor Brown, who worked his way back from injury to contribute in the playoffs, is now with the New Jersey Devils.
Meanwhile, Jeff Skinner and John Klingberg, both added last season as short-term depth pieces signed on with the San Jose Sharks. Even Viktor Arvidsson was dealt to the Boston Bruins for future draft capital.
Losing that many players in such a short time is never easy for any organization. Goaltender Stuart Skinner, however, believes the Oilers are equipped to handle it.
Speaking to NHL.com this weekend before participating in the Rogers Legends of Hockey event, the 26-year-old admitted that parting ways with teammates is always difficult.
“Obviously we lost some guys and that’s always the hard part about the business. You make some great relationships, great friendships, and they get traded or sign somewhere else or whatever.”
He also stressed that it is something every hockey player has to learn to accept.
“That’s just part of the business. You learn that in juniors when you make some great friends and you get traded. We’ve all been through that and it’s hard, but we’re going to create some new friendships and some great relationships and that’s another amazing thing about the game,” he added.
Edmonton has made some new signings too. The Oilers landed forward Andrew Mangiapane along with Curtis Lazar this summer. Defenseman Riley Stillman was added to strengthen the blue line, while Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard was acquired from Tampa Bay. Earlier this year, the Oilers also picked up Trent Frederic in a trade with Boston later signing him to a long-term extension.
Skinner mentioned that he believes the focus must remain on what the team still has, namely its core of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a returning defense group. Having gone through the heartbreak of two straight Finals losses, he feels Edmonton is actually better prepared to regroup quickly even with so much turnover around him.
“Absolutely, that’s what we’re going for,” Skinner said when asked if another run at the Stanley Cup was possible.
Stuart Skinner admits taking a longer summer this year
Skinner admitted that last summer he returned to the ice too quickly not giving himself enough time to recover mentally and physically. This offseason, Skinner forced himself to rest longer staying away from the rink until August before starting his training again.
The goalie mentioned that he thinks that decision will help him stay fresher for the long grind ahead.
“I think I got back on the ice a little too quick last summer, talking about the experience part again,” Skinner said. “Going into the season, I want to be as fresh as I can, as strong as I can.
“Just mentally being able to let go and put hockey aside for a couple of weeks and have that excitement of wanting to get back and get back on the ice and get back to work, I’ve definitely found that. It was hard to stay off as long as I did, but that’s a really good sign. It means you really love the game, and I’m really excited to be back on the ice.”
This season carries added weight for Stuart Skinner as he enters his final year of his three-year, $7.8 million contract with Edmonton. With unrestricted free agency looming in 2026, his performance now could shape both his future with the Oilers and his value across the league.