NHL UPDATE: Stuart Skinner Vows to Stay with Edmonton Oilers Through 2028 — “This Is My Home, My Team, My Fight”
July 22, 2025 — Edmonton, Alberta
In a move that solidifies the backbone of the Edmonton Oilers for years to come, goaltender Stuart Skinner — the rising star turned franchise cornerstone — has officially committed to staying with the team until the end of the 2028 NHL season. Amid swirling speculation over possible trades or free agency interest from rival clubs, Skinner’s vow to remain in Edmonton is not just a contract decision — it’s a statement of loyalty, identity, and unfinished business.
“This is my home,” Skinner said in a press conference this morning at Rogers Place. “I grew up dreaming of wearing this jersey. Now that I have it, I’m not going anywhere. I want to win here. I want to finish what we started.”
THE FOUNDATION OF EDMONTON’S FUTURE
Skinner, 26, has quickly risen to become one of the NHL’s most consistent and mentally resilient goaltenders. After being drafted by the Oilers in the third round (78th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Skinner battled through years of AHL development, worked tirelessly on his technique, and earned his place between the pipes as Edmonton’s No. 1 netminder.
His breakout campaign during the 2022–2023 season earned him a spot in the NHL All-Rookie Team and saw him backstop the Oilers to the second round of the playoffs. Since then, he has only improved, combining technical poise with emotional calm — a crucial presence behind the team’s explosive offense.
Now, in 2025, Skinner has not only become the defensive spine of the team — he’s become one of its emotional leaders.
“You talk about McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nugent-Hopkins lighting up the scoreboard,” said Head Coach Kris Knoblauch. “But without Stuart, we don’t have the foundation. He gives us confidence every night.”
PUTTING THE RUMORS TO REST
With Skinner’s current contract set to expire in 2026, rumors had been swirling for months about potential interest from other teams — especially in the wake of his stellar postseason performances and rising international reputation. Some analysts speculated that Skinner might test free agency, or even explore options in markets like Toronto, Los Angeles, or Seattle.
But Skinner has made his decision crystal clear: he’s staying in Edmonton. And according to sources close to the team, contract extension talks are already well underway, with both sides aiming for a deal that would lock him in until the end of the 2028–2029 season.
“I’ve had conversations with my family, with the team, and with myself. And at the end of the day, I know what I want. I want to win a Stanley Cup right here,” Skinner said.
FAN FAVORITE, LOCKER ROOM LEADER
Born and raised in Edmonton, Skinner is a homegrown talent who resonates deeply with fans. From signing autographs in the freezing cold to showing up at youth hockey clinics, he’s known not just as a top athlete, but as a down-to-earth hometown hero.
“He’s got that classic Oilers grit,” one longtime fan said. “He reminds me of Grant Fuhr — calm under pressure, and always stepping up when it matters.”
In the locker room, Skinner is said to be a unifying voice — calm, focused, and respected by veterans and rookies alike. His bond with the core group — particularly Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl — is tight, and all three have expressed their desire to bring a championship to Edmonton together.
THE WINDOW IS NOW
With Skinner’s commitment confirmed and the Oilers’ offensive core still in its prime, the organization is entering what many analysts consider its most promising championship window since the dynasty years of the 1980s.
General Manager Ken Holland expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory:
“We’ve built this roster for long-term success, and Stuart is a critical part of that. His loyalty, his work ethic, and his sheer talent — that’s the kind of guy you build around.”
As the Oilers prepare for the 2025–2026 season, they do so with renewed clarity: their goaltender is locked in, motivated, and determined.
SKINNER’S PARTING WORDS
To close the press conference, Skinner addressed the fans directly:
“To the people of Edmonton: I wear this jersey with pride. I’m one of you. I’m going to fight for this city until the final whistle of 2028 — and hopefully beyond. Let’s bring the Cup home.”
With his eyes firmly set on the future, Stuart Skinner isn’t just defending a net — he’s defending a dream. And for Edmonton, that dream now burns brighter than ever.
