Stuart Skinner’s Next Contract: Is a Massive Payday on the Horizon?

0 Sara Smith July 21, 2025

Fresh off a second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are facing a pivotal offseason. While much of the focus has been on the future of superstar Connor McDavid, another key player is quietly approaching a contract year that could see him cash in big time. That player is starting goaltender Stuart Skinner.

The 26-year-old netminder is entering the final year of a very team-friendly three-year, $7.8 million contract. His $2.6 million average annual value (AAV) has been a bargain for the Oilers, but that’s all about to change. According to respected Oilers insider Kurt Leavins, Skinner could be in for a lucrative new deal, and the blueprint for that contract may have just been laid out by another team.

So, what kind of numbers are we talking about? Leavins points to the recent five-year, $31.25 million contract signed by Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal. That deal carries a $6.25 million AAV, a significant raise from Skinner’s current salary. While some critics may scoff at the idea of Skinner earning that kind of money, it’s a realistic possibility that Oilers fans should be prepared for.

Why Stuart Skinner Deserves a Big Raise

Yes, his performance has been inconsistent at times, and he’s had his struggles in the playoffs. However, you can’t ignore the fact that he has backstopped the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. That kind of experience is invaluable, and it’s something that few other goalies in the league can claim.

If Skinner can put together another solid season and lead the Oilers on another deep playoff run, he’ll have no trouble commanding a contract similar to Dostal’s. Whether that’s with the Oilers or another team in free agency remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Stuart Skinner is about to get paid. The Oilers have a tough decision to make, but they can’t afford to lose their starting goaltender for nothing.