Top NHL insider shares behind-the-scenes of Oilers trade for Jarry, why they moved Skinner
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers finally pulled off the trade for Tristan Jarry after working on the deal for months, say NHL insiders.
Today the Oilers moved Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a draft pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Jarry. It was a shock to see Skinner leaving in the deal, but insiders report there were 3 main reasons why Edmonton was ready to move him.
NHL insiders report reasons why Oilers were ready to trade Skinner
According to a new report from Pierre LeBrun in the Athletic, the Oilers began working on a trade for Jarry last season. Eventually, the pulled the trigger on the deal due to concerns about Skinner's next contract and playoff performance.
After laying the groundwork in the summer, the Oilers watched Jarry closely early this season, monitoring his resurgence in net.
Skinner is a pending unrestricted free agent, and the Oilers weren't comfortable going down the road of an extension with him after his inconsistent play again this season.
When Connor McDavid signed his two-year extension before the season, it put the Oilers' front office on notice to do all it could to give the team the best possible shot at winning the Cup in that window.
Sitting back and doing nothing about the goaltending wasn't an option.
- Pierre LeBrun
Skinner is a pending unrestricted free agent, and the Oilers weren't comfortable going down the road of an extension with him after his inconsistent play again this season.
When Connor McDavid signed his two-year extension before the season, it put the Oilers' front office on notice to do all it could to give the team the best possible shot at winning the Cup in that window.
Sitting back and doing nothing about the goaltending wasn't an option.
- Pierre LeBrun
Stuart Skinner is a pending UFA this season, and is expected to command a major raise on his next contract - some analysts project him signing a deal for over $6M in annual salary.
The Oilers just weren't comfortable paying Skinner that much over a longer term, especially given his inconsistency over the last 2 years and the playoffs. Jarry at $5.375M is a more manageable number with extra term.
Stuart Skinner was open to change of scenery from Edmonton Oilers
Not only that, but Oilers insider Tom Gazzola has reported that Stuart Skinner was open to a move out of Edmonton. After taking major heat for the last two years, he could benefit from a fresh start.
At the end of the day, both the Oilers and Skinner may benefit from a fresh start entirely. Now, it's on the team to raise their game.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 12 | 1324 ANSWERS Top NHL insider shares behind-the-scenes of Oilers trade for Jarry, why they moved Skinner Do you think the Oilers were right to trade Stuart Skinner this year? | ||
| Yes | 928 | 70.1 % |
| No | 197 | 14.9 % |
| Yes, but not for Jarry | 199 | 15 % |
| List of polls | ||