On Friday, the Edmonton Oilers executed a long-awaited transaction concerning their goaltending position, trading veteran netminder Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry.
As part of the deal sent to Pittsburgh, the Oilers also gave up defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round selection, while acquiring forward Samuel Poulin from the Penguins.
Separately, the Oilers acquired defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Nashville Predators, compensating them with a third-round draft choice in 2027.
However, the exit of Skinner, an Edmonton native, constituted a monumental aspect of this trade.
At 27 years old, he served as the primary goaltender for two consecutive post-season pushes that reached the Stanley Cup final. The Edmonton team was defeated by Florida in seven contests during 2024 and by the Panthers in six contests in 2025.
This season, Skinner’s record began at 11 wins, 8 losses, and 4 overtime losses, accompanied by a 2.83 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage. He was completing the last year of a three-year agreement valued at $2.6 million USD each year.
“This isn’t necessarily a reflection on Stuart Skinner. It simply feels like perhaps a change is needed at this juncture,” stated Oilers general manager Stan Bowman during a media video conference call on Friday morning.
According to Bowman, discussions regarding a contract renewal with Skinner had not taken place.
Jarry, boasting a current season record of 9-3-1, a 2.66 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage, is set to link up with the Oilers on Saturday in Toronto for their game against the Maple Leafs.
The 30-year-old athlete, hailing from Surrey, British Columbia, has been honored as an all-star twice (in 2020 and 2022). Jarry is currently in the third year of a five-year deal valued at $5.375 million per year.
Across 307 appearances in the NHL, Jarry maintains a career goals-against average of 2.74 and a .909 save percentage.
“He has demonstrated very strong performance consistently over several seasons,” Bowman commented.
This goaltender, standing six feet four inches tall and weighing 201 pounds, spent his entire four-year Western Hockey League tenure with the Edmonton Oil Kings, yet he possesses less post-season experience than Skinner, holding a 2-6 record across eight starts.
“Our objective was to ensure we felt secure about the individual we were acquiring,” Bowman stated. “The reality that he has two additional years on his agreement means we have our primary goaltender secured for the subsequent three playoff appearances, which I believe is crucial, knowing he’s under contract at a figure we can effectively handle within our salary cap for the next few years.”
In October, Oilers’ prominent player Connor McDavid committed to a two-year contract extension, which essentially initiated a countdown for the NHL organization to execute the required strategic moves to secure a Stanley Cup championship before their captain’s contract expires in 2028, making him a free agent.
“Ultimately, for every goaltender, it often boils down to a pivotal moment or two, not exclusively for those with the Oilers, but everyone is generally evaluated by their memorable performances in a playoff series,” Bowman remarked. “Numerous factors contribute to a team reaching that level, and we believe Tristan possesses a highly credible history as an effective netminder.”
Kulak, aged 31 and also an Edmonton native, was another key defensive player for the team throughout their post-season campaigns. He was similarly in the last year of his contract, carrying a $2.75 million cap hit.
“Our intention was definitely not to move Brett Kulak,” Bowman stated. “However, for the trade to be viable and to balance the financial aspects, his inclusion was necessary.”
Stastney, at 25 years old, recorded one goal and eight assists, achieving a minus-1 rating across 30 games during the current season. He is currently in the second and final term of a deal valued at $825,000.
“Stastney, being six years junior, plays a highly comparable style,” Bowman observed.
“What has impressed us about Stastney is his outstanding agility. He’s a skilled skater, possesses considerable speed, and has proven highly proficient on the penalty kill, alongside contributing some offensive elements to his play. He truly has not yet fulfilled his complete capability.
“Over the past year, we’ve successfully somewhat restructured our defensive corps, and we now have three players who are 25 years old, with [Evan Bouchard] being 26.”
Poulin, aged 24, has appeared in two contests for Pittsburgh during this season. The right-winger, who originates from Blainville, Quebec, has amassed nine goals and eleven assists in 22 American Hockey League matches.
