The Edmonton Oilers have represented the Western Conference in the last two Stanley Cup Finals. It’s a remarkable run for this team, and especially a Canadian franchise. There are a few players to thank, such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. To some extent, goalie Stuart Skinner is an unsung hero in this story, as well.
Skinner has struggled in the postseason, to be fair. In totality, his performances aren’t anything spectacular. However, in small glimpses, Skinner has given the Oilers some incredible goaltending. In fact, there were times during the 2025 postseason that he seemed unbeatable.
Of course, he came back down to Earth. His inconsistency is a factor in the Oilers losing each of the last two Finals to the Florida Panthers. It’s not the main factor, but a factor nonetheless.
Goaltending has been an issue for the Oilers over the last few years. With Skinner becoming a free agent in the summer of 2026, he has to cement his future this upcoming season. His performances will determine what Edmonton does moving forward.
One NHL writer doesn’t believe he will finish the year with Edmonton, however. Bleacher Report writer Sara Civian compiled a list of bold trade predictions for 2025-26. And she predicts that Skinner will be dealt to the Utah Mammoth.
“It’s not all goaltender Stuart Skinner’s fault that the Oilers have not been able to conquer the Panthers in two consecutive Cup Finals, but the goaltending could certainly be more consistent—and something needs to change for Connor McDavid to raise a Cup in Edmonton,” Civian wrote.
Why Mammoth Would Want Stuart Skinner
Steph Chambers/Getty ImagesEdmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner has struggled with inconsistency throughout his career.
The Mammoth are the NHL’s newest franchise following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes last summer. Utah had a promising 2024-25 season, with many of its young stars taking steps forward. However, their goaltending was a bit hit or miss.
Karel Vejmelka had a fine season and was rewarded with a five-year contract extension for his efforts. He finished the season with a .904 save percentage, 5.33 Goals Saved Above Average, and 20.75 Goals Saved Above Expected, according to Evolving Hockey. Vejmelka finished 11th in the NHL for GSAx, in fact.
Behind him, though, the options weren’t inspiring. Connor Ingram was the main backup, playing 22 games. But he finished with an .882 save percentage, -9.83 GSAA, and -6.92 GSAx. Jaxson Strauber played six games, but wasn’t much better.
The Mammoth swung a huge trade for JJ Peterka this summer. However, there is a need for more insurance in goal. Utah signed Vitek Vanecek, but Skinner’s experience and potential could elevate this group of goaltenders.
Utah Could Swing Hockey Trade With Oilers
If a trade went down this season, there is a way for the Mammoth to make this work. They have the cap space to sign Skinner if he performs well. And he likely won’t cost an arm and a leg, even if he finds a bit of consistency this season.
Ingram is on an expiring contract like Skinner. The Oilers would likely want to shake up their goaltending room if they moved on from Skinner. And they could see value in Ingram, seeing as he makes less than $2 million this season.
Whether a one-for-one swap is on the table is unknown. However, there is potential for a bit of a “hockey trade” here. It will certainly be interesting to see how the upcoming season plays out, and whether they come together on a deal for Skinner this year.
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