Stuart Skinner is starting to play well under Mike Sullivan. The former goalie for the Edmonton Oilers is now making a big impact for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He has a great 8 wins, 4 losses, and 1 overtime loss since joining the team. This is a huge change for someone who seemed really confused just a few months back.
His goals against average of 2.72 and a save percentage of . 887 are not top-notch Vezina Trophy numbers. However, he is performing well enough to help out a struggling team every night.
His teammates really appreciate him right now. He brings a calm vibe to the defense whenever things get tough and the team needs to hold their ground.
As the March trade deadline approaches, teams are getting anxious. Other teams’ managers are starting to make lots of calls looking for dependable goalies to help them in the tough playoffs.
Edmonton let him go way too soon during a rough time. Now, this could turn out to be a big win for the Pittsburgh management.
Stuart Skinner has 8 wins, 1 loss, and 1 overtime loss in his last 10 games, with a goals against average of 2.30 and a save percentage of . 904.
The Trade Market Is Heating Up
Finding a good goalie this late in February is really tough. Teams that are hoping to win are often willing to pay extra for a backup goalie who has a lot of experience in the playoffs.
If a top team suddenly loses their main goalie to injury, they might trade a mid-round draft pick for a reliable backup. He becomes a key player for a challenging playoff season.
His reasonable salary makes him easy for a competing team to fit into their budget. That makes him a very appealing choice for teams looking to rent a goalie across the league.
Frank Seravalli: Re Stuart Skinner: His name has popped up here in trade talks…I’d say over the last couple weeks – Frankly Hockey (2/25)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 26, 2026
Pittsburgh needs to carefully think about their business choice in the upcoming weeks. Should they hold on to him for their wild card chances, or should they trade him since his value has gone up?
He has managed to stop some really tough opponents from scoring in the last three games. His ability to control rebounds seems a lot better now compared to his last rough games in Canada.
Throughout his career in the NHL, staying mentally focused has been his main struggle. Now, he finally seems relaxed and is making those crucial first saves when facing tough plays.
The way teams move the puck often begins with the goalie handling the puck well behind the net. He is doing this to counter strong attacks from the opposing team and to create chances for scoring.
The next two weeks will really determine what will happen to him next. Get ready to see professional scouts filling the press area in the next games to check him out one last time.
A surprising new situation turned his hockey season around completely. Now he is listed as one of the most interesting goalies up for trade.
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