Scribe Suggests Ex-Oiler Goalie Could Wind Up with the Senators

According to Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal, watch out for the Ottawa Senators when it comes to a potential landing spot for goaltender Stuart Skinner. The pending UFA is unlikely to return to Pittsburgh after the way his playoff run went, and the Edmonton Oilers aren’t likely to consider a return. Ottawa’s situation might be a little different.

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Matheson writes:

“Another team to keep an eye on to sign ex-Oiler goalie Stuart Skinner as a free agent: Ottawa. GM Steve Staios was here with the Oilers. Sens starter Linus Ullmark needs help in more of a tag-team, and even if Skinner costs them $3.25m, that’s still $11.5 m in two goalies. That’s only 9.1 percent of next year’s $104 million cap.”

In other words, the Senators could use a 1B for Ullmark, they have the money to take a flier on Skinner and only Ullmark is under contract for next season. It wasn’t made clear if Staios was looking at Skinner anytime the Senators came to town, but he perhaps knows the goaltender a bit better than some.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun also believes the Senators are a realistic option. He noted that the expectation is Skinner won’t be back with the Penguins next season, and the belief is he will be among Ottawa’s top targets in free agency.

It’s important to note this is just speculation on the part of Matheson. He also noted in his article that UFA winger Jack Roslovic is unlikely to return next season after a disappointing playoffs, the Oilers will try to re-sign Kasperi Kapanen, and Edmonton might chase Sebastian Cossa as a goaltending option.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Canucks & Big Trade?