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Skinner will be competing for his NHL job, says Penguins GM
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Following his trade with the Edmonton Oilers, Pens GM Kyle Dubas commented on Pittsburgh's goalie situation moving forward.
Skinner competing for the number-1 job
«With goaltending, it comes with a certain sense of volatility,» Kyle Dubas said. «There's very few goalies in the league that have that linear progression night after night. It's an up-and-down profession; it's a tough profession. I don't think we've, at times, made it the easiest position to play."
The point Dubas made is becoming more and more a reality in the NHL, as is the volatility in goal from one year to the next. We're seeing this with most clubs, goalies seemingly competing for the net game in and game out.
For Stuart Skinner and the Penguins, it's no different. The former-Oiler netminder will have to prove that he belongs and that his future is with his new team.
Skinner becomes a free agent on July 1st, and with the trade-deadline only two less than 3-months away, his runway to take-off and prove his value is short.
Following the trade, the Pens still have Arturs Silovs in goal and is the most likely competition for the incoming Skinner - both have similar stats.
Still, this is a golden opportunity for Stuart to start a clean-sheet and show that he is more than capable of leading a team from arguably the most important position on the ice.
«I just think with where we're at, the opportunity to bring in a goalie that has deep experience in Stu, plus what we feel is an ability to upgrade our defense, plus the draft pick, it just made sense for us to do it at this time.»
Stuart Skinner has undoubtedly earned the chance to show that he still has what it takes.