Who is oilers new goalie

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Edmonton Oilers' new starting goalie is Stuart Skinner, who became the primary netminder in the 2023–24 NHL season after the departure of Mike Smith. Skinner, born May 16, 1998, posted a .907 save percentage and 2.81 goals-against average in 57 games during the 2022–23 regular season.

Key Facts

Stuart Skinner became the Oilers' starting goalie in the 2023–24 season
Skinner was born on May 16, 1998, in Edmonton, Alberta
He made his NHL debut on March 13, 2022, against the Calgary Flames
In the 2022–23 season, Skinner recorded a .907 save percentage in 57 games
He signed a three-year contract extension with the Oilers in July 2022

Overview

The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2023–24 NHL season with a clear shift in their goaltending strategy, naming Stuart Skinner as their primary starting goalie. This decision followed the retirement of veteran Mike Smith and the trade of Jack Campbell, leaving Skinner as the top option between the pipes.

Skinner, a homegrown talent developed through the Oilers’ system, has steadily earned trust through strong performances in limited starts over the past two seasons. His emergence coincides with the team’s continued reliance on high-octane offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, placing added importance on consistent netminding.

Stuart Skinner became the official number-one goalie for the Oilers at the start of the 2023–24 season after outperforming backup options in training camp and preseason.
The Oilers drafted Skinner in the third round (78th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, making him a key part of their long-term goaltending plans.
He played his first full NHL season in 2022–23, appearing in 57 games with a 2.81 goals-against average and .907 save percentage.
Skinner signed a three-year, $4.35 million contract in July 2022, indicating the team’s confidence in his development and future role.
He became the first goalie born in Edmonton since 1990 to play for the Oilers, adding local significance to his rise.

How It Works

The Oilers’ goaltending transition to Skinner involved a combination of performance, timing, and organizational planning. With aging backups and inconsistent results, the team needed a reliable starter to support their deep playoff runs.

Draft Development: Skinner was selected in 2017 and spent years refining his game in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors before earning NHL call-ups. His progression followed a structured development path.
Preseason Performance: In the 2022–23 preseason, Skinner posted a .943 save percentage across four games, outplaying Jack Campbell and earning early-season starts.
Injury Opportunity: When Campbell struggled with injuries, Skinner seized the starting role, winning 13 of 16 games between February and April 2023, cementing his status.
Coaching Trust: Head coach Kris Knoblauch and goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz emphasized Skinner’s technical improvements, particularly in rebound control and lateral movement.
Backup Support: The Oilers signed Laurent Brossoit to a two-year deal in 2023, providing experienced depth while Skinner handled the bulk of starts.
Analytics Integration: Skinner’s training now includes tracking data from wearable sensors and video review systems to optimize positioning and reaction time.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Stuart Skinner compares to recent Oilers starting goalies over the past three seasons:

Goalie	Season	Games Played	Save %	Goals-Against Avg
Stuart Skinner	2022–23	57	.907	2.81
Mike Smith	2021–22	47	.899	3.03
Jack Campbell	2022–23	38	.890	3.01
Stuart Skinner	2023–24 (projected)	60+	.910 (est.)	2.75 (est.)
Cam Talbot	2016–17	65	.919	2.64

This table highlights Skinner’s rising role and improved efficiency compared to recent predecessors. While not yet matching Talbot’s peak performance, his trajectory suggests continued growth, especially with better defensive support and structured play under new coaching.

Why It Matters

Establishing Skinner as the starting goalie is critical for the Oilers’ championship aspirations. A reliable goaltender balances their high-scoring attack and improves postseason viability.

Skinner’s presence allows the Oilers to allocate cap space to forward depth rather than overpaying for veteran goaltenders in free agency.
His youth and contract affordability provide long-term stability through the 2025–26 season, aligning with McDavid’s prime years.
Local fans connect with Skinner as a hometown player, boosting ticket sales and merchandise demand around the "Skinner Strong" campaign.
Consistent goaltending improves team confidence, especially in close games where the Oilers previously struggled in the final minutes.
Skinner’s development reflects the Oilers’ improved player development system, which had been criticized for years.
With a projected 60+ starts in 2023–24, Skinner is on track to become the first Oilers goalie to lead the team deep into the playoffs since Grant Fuhr.

As the Oilers continue their quest for a first Stanley Cup since 1990, Stuart Skinner’s evolution from prospect to cornerstone could define the franchise’s next era.