Skinner’s value is central to the Oilers’ cap strategy; the market’s pace and comparable deals will influence the timing and magnitude of his extension as Edmonton weighs deadline moves against long-term stability.

<p>Skinner stands as the Oilers’ current starter, and Hart’s arrival would test his workload, development trajectory, and fantasy upside. A successful sign could push Skinner from a durable workhorse to a high-stakes duo option, depending on how the rotation is managed.</p>

Skinner again appears as the final goalie pick, with emphasis on Edmonton’s likely regular-season success and the potential value if injuries hit higher-projection netminders. Skinner is framed as a potential season-long security blanket behind the Oilers' starry forward group.

Skinner is the focal point of Edmonton’s goaltending future, with a projected five-year contract around 6.817 million per season, a deal the model assigns a 22 percent chance of materializing. His playoff numbers dipped in 2024-25, complicating the extension narrative but not erasing the faith the Oilers place in him as their long-term backbone between the pipes.

Stuart Skinner's upcoming contract negotiations could see him earning significantly more than his current $2.6 million, with estimates suggesting a potential cap hit exceeding $6 million, reflecting his playoff performance and market demand.