Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner will get massive raise on next contract, from top NHL analyst
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Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner will be eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st, and top NHL analysts believe he'll be in for a massive raise to over $6M annually.
Improving the goaltending is a priority for the Edmonton Oilers this offseason, and if Skinner's soon due for a major raise while the team doesn't trust him - a trade could be a solution.
NHL analytics firm projects Stuart Skinner will earn more than $6M per year on next contract
Skinner is currently playing on a relatively cheap contract for a starting goalie at $2.6M. However, as the salary cap is rising quickly and Skinner is more experienced, he's expected to earn more than $6M a year on a 4 year contract in free agency.
Stuart Skinner has now posted below league average numbers for two seasons in a row now, and was even questionable to start the Stanley Cup Final due to his play. The Oilers desperately need a reliable goalie, and management seems to finally understand that.
If Skinner is currently worth $6M on his next contract that will start in the 2026-27 season, the Oilers should seriously consider if they're willing to pay that price - or if he should be shipped out in a trade.
Rising salary cap may cause sticker shock for next crop of free agent contracts
Criticisms of Skinner aside, the rapidly rising salary cap is expected to cause some sticker shock for fans with this group of free agents.
After several years of the cap remaining stagnant, player contract values settled in to be pretty standard with fans. Now the cap is expected to climb over $110M in the next three years, players asking for an equal share of cap percentage will be paid significantly more than in years past.
Even then, there will be bargain goaltenders available. The Oilers will have to decide on paying up for Skinner, finding a proven true elite option in trade, or betting on a bargain goalie in free agency.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
JUIN 28 | 964 ANSWERS Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner will get massive raise on next contract, from top NHL analyst Do you think Stuart Skinner is worth over $6M a season? |
Yes | 146 | 15.1 % |
No, find another goalie | 818 | 84.9 % |
List of polls |