Stuart Skinner’s extension debate is the marquee NHL storyline in Edmonton as the Oilers weigh a long-term marry-the-arc plan. Zach Laing’s five-year projection at a 6.817 million cap hit carries a mature edge: a high-ceiling bet on Skinner through his prime, tempered by a 22% chance the model assigns to hitting that exact outcome.

Skinner’s postseason numbers dipped to a 2.99 GAA and .889 SV% across 15 games in 2024-25, a contrast to the spring when he lifted Edmonton in back-to-back Cup Final runs. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky outdueled the Oilers’ tandem in the Final, while GM Stan Bowman defended his goaltenders and Kris Knoblauch rode Skinner in must-win Game 6. For fantasy, a long-term Skinner in Edmonton could stabilize a once-volatile position, but the playoff skid injects risk into any price tag. The piece also frames rival stoppers—Kuemper, Hill, and Oettinger—as benchmarks to contextualize Skinner’s ceiling and downside as the Oilers navigate this contract crossroads.

Glen Gulutzan is back in Dallas as the head coach of the Stars, and fans are curious about his approach compared to Pete DeBoer. While Gulutzan acknowledges the foundation laid by DeBoer, he aims to infuse a blend of grit and skill into the team's identity. He plans to enhance physical play and team camaraderie, suggesting there's room for a more aggressive style alongside the existing skill set. Gulutzan's philosophy emphasizes constructing from past successes rather than overhauling the established system.

During a recent radio show, he expressed surprise at the decision to pull goalie Jake Oettinger during a critical playoff moment, reflecting on his patient nature and team loyalty. This insight reveals his commitment to player confidence and the importance of mental fortitude in high-stakes games, which could influence how he manages player rotations in the future.

Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger has exciting news: he and his wife, Kennedi, are expecting their first child. Announcing the joyful news on social media, the couple shared an image capturing Kennedi's baby bump.

Oettinger, 26, recently completed his fifth NHL season and has been a key player for the Stars, helping lead them to the Western Conference Finals three consecutive years. After signing an eight-year contract extension in 2024, Oettinger's commitment to the Stars remains firm as he prepares for fatherhood.

This marks another significant milestone for the couple, who previously announced their engagement shortly after the 2023 season and tied the knot after the 2024 season in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Congratulations to the Oettingers on their growing family!

The NHL recently announced the first and second All-Star teams for the 2024-25 season, and despite a notable performance, no Dallas Stars players made the cut. This outcome is particularly surprising given the strong contributions from the team's key players throughout the season.

Jason Robertson, the Stars' standout left wing, finished sixth in voting for his position, garnering 26 points with one second-place and 23 third-place votes. On the right wing, Mikko Rantanen also placed sixth, accumulating seven points. Defensively, Thomas Harley made an impression, ranking seventh with 67 voting points, including one first-place vote. Miro Heiskanen did not fare as well, ending up in 17th with just five points.

In net, Jake Oettinger earned a commendable fourth place with 30 voting points, showcasing his prowess as a goaltender. Additionally, Lian Bichsel's performance on the blue line earned him sixth place in the All-Rookie team voting, indicating that while the Stars may not have been represented in the All-Star teams, their talent pool remains strong.

The Dallas Stars are at a crossroads as they look for a new head coach following the departure of Pete DeBoer. With a talented roster including players like Jake Oettinger, Miro Heiskanen, and Wyatt Johnston, the Stars are in prime position to make a push for the playoffs. The team has various options for coaching candidates, including Todd Nelson, Jim Nill, and Dan Bylsma, but they might lean towards a fresh face rather than a veteran retread like Peter Laviolette or John Tortorella.

Despite having limited cap space, the Stars are expected to make roster adjustments to maintain competitiveness. Key players like Jamie Benn want to stay, while free agents like Matt Duchene's future remains uncertain. The new coach will inherit a strong foundation and will need to maximize the potential of this roster.