Skinner signs 3-year, $7.8 million contract with Oilers

The 24-year-old goalie could have been a restricted free agent after this season. He’s 9-8-1 with a 2.83 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 19 games (18 starts) this season.

“To actually put the Oilers crest on is a dream come true and something I’ll cherish forever,” said Skinner prior to a 5-4 win against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Nov. 30.

Skinner has shared time with Jack Campbell, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract ($5 million average annual value) July 13 but is 8-6-0, with a 4.04 GAA and .875 save percentage. The third-round pick (No. 78) in the 2017 NHL Draft is an Edmonton native who made frequent trips to Rexall Place, the Oilers former arena, while growing up.

“I’ve just been trying to have as much fun as I can with it,” Skinner said “Obviously, the team’s been paying great. I think for me, it’s just kind of getting the reps in, getting more experience. I’ve been having a blast with it, just trying to have fun and keep growing my game after every single game and every single practice.”

Skinner entered this season as Campbell’s backup after Mike Smith was placed on long-term injured reserve and Mikko Koskinen signed with Lugano in Switzerland. He helped Swift Current win the 2018 Western Hockey League championship and played for Bakersfield of the American Hockey League and 13 NHL games in 2021-22. His made 47 saves to earn his first NHL win, 2-1 in a shootout against the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 18 and defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-0 on Feb. 14 in his 14th NHL start to set an Oilers record for fewest needed to earn his first shutout.

He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers on May 15, 2018.

“I’ve always felt comfortable with Stuart,” said Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, who also coached Skinner in Bakersfield from 2018 to February 2022. “He’s somebody who I think is a great example of not skipping any steps along the way. His development process has been correct.”