Top Oilers analyst reveals locker room issue with Stuart Skinner

Recently, Oilers' Inside Bob Stauffer compared Skinner's situation to that of former-Oilers' goalie Devan Dubnyk, who, after leaving Edmonton, posted elite numbers, proving the issue wasn't skill, but environment.

Now he wonders if the same could be true for Stuart Skinner. The room-problem suggests Skinner's struggles aren't about his goaltending ability, but about his confidence and other intangibles.

Of course, the dynamic could extend beyond the room, and include the Edmonton media and fanbase, who've criticized Skinner's play, dating back to the last two post-seasons.

Playing in a city like Edmonton, where the fanbase is passionate and knowledgeable, requires incredible focus and self-confidence, both of which seem to be missing in Skinner's game.

You may recall that Skinner was thrust into a starting-goalie position in 2023-24 season, replacing Jack Campbell. Stuart may not have been prepared for the role of number-one.

Indeed, Skinner is only 26 years-old and will likely have a good NHL career if he's traded from Edmonton. The issue may very well just be one of environment.

Having said this, Skinner's play this season has also raised the issue of his skill, and whether he is talented enough to take a contending team like the Oilers all the way.

With a 3.18 GAA and a .878 SV%, it's easy to doubt that is capable of back-stopping the Oilers to a Stanley Cup.

So far, the indication is that he is not, and perhaps the main reason why there have been many trade speculations.