Analyst Not Surprised by Stuart Skinner’s Early Success in Pittsburgh

When Stuart Skinner was dealt to Pittsburgh as part of the return that sent Tristan Jarry to Edmonton, much of the hockey world envisioned he could very well find himself on the move again before the March 6 trade deadline.

After losing his first three games as a Penguin, that appeared to be the clear trajectory. However, all Skinner has done since is shut the door and win, taking over as Pittsburgh’s clear-cut No. 1 goalie and silencing any trade chatter. While it was evident that both the player and the Oilers needed a change of scenery, one former NHL goalie turned analyst isn’t surprised to see Skinner thriving in Pittsburgh.

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Jamie McLennan of TSN’s OverDrive was asked about Skinner’s recent play and whether a fresh set of eyes and new mechanics have helped unlock a better version of the goaltender.

McLennan said:

“Well, I will say this — a guy who worked here at TSN Radio, Andy Chiodo, unbelievable coach. He’s done a great job in Pittsburgh; he’s the guy who helped Tristan Jarry get his game back. And you look at what happens when Stuart Skinner goes there… I’m happy for Stu Skinner. He can get out of there, get out of Edmonton, and just go play hockey,”

The 27-year-old Skinner has gone 7-4-0 as a Penguin while sporting a 2.31 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage along the way. He’s, of course, a pending UFA in the third and final season of the three-year, $7.8 million extension signed with the Oilers back in 2022.

Pittsburgh is Open to Extending Stuart Skinner

While the sample size remains relatively small and there’s still a long way to go, Skinner’s play as a Penguin has GM Kyle Dubas open to the possibility of a contract extension — something that felt like a long shot just weeks ago.

Team reporter Josh Yohe recently shared some insight into how Dubas and the Penguins view the Skinner situation moving forward. “While it’s obviously to be determined, I’m under the impression that the Penguins are open to all possibilities with Skinner. If he continues to perform well, team sources have told me that the Penguins would be open to bringing him back regardless of Murashov’s progression. They like Skinner as a goaltender and a person. The Penguins don’t think Skinner’s performance is fluky, and the door is open for him to receive a new contract this summer.”

Sergei Murashov is Pittsburgh’s promising 21-year-old goaltending prospect who has torn up every league he’s played in, including the AHL this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. As Yohe notes, a tandem of Skinner and Murashov could work quite well, with the veteran helping take pressure off the youngster as he gets his feet wet in the NHL.

How the rest of the season — and potentially the playoffs — unfolds for Skinner in Pittsburgh will play a major role in how this ultimately shakes out. That said, given the expectations immediately following the trade, things couldn’t be going much better for all parties involved right now, Edmonton included.

Next: Insider Doesn’t Rule Out Maple Leafs Offseason William Nylander Trade