Contract Status: 3‑Year Extension Through 2025–26
- Skinner signed a three-year contract extension in December 2022, worth a total of $7.8 million, averaging $2.6 million per season. This deal runs through the 2025–26 season and carries full guarantee and cap hit
- Before that, he had two-year, $1.5 million entry-level deals (2021–23) and an earlier rookie contract .
- As of today, Skinner is heading into the final year of his current deal and will become an Unrestricted Free Agent in summer 2026 .
- The conversation around Skinner now focuses on whether Edmonton will offer a follow‑up deal post-2025–26, especially given strong goaltending comps like Lukas Dostal’s $6.25M AAV over 5 years
- Analysts note his current contract is a team-friendly bargain but that he’ll likely command a higher salary in future negotiations .
🧩 Why “Lifetime Contract” Is Misleading
- Uncommon in NHL – Unlike some European sports, true “lifetime contracts” don’t exist in the NHL. Long-term extensions (6–8 years) are possible but require annual compliance with salary cap rules.
- Speculative Talk – Rumors may stem from fan wish lists or speculative commentary in podcasts, but no front office officials have confirmed such plans.
- Media Silence – Neither team press releases nor trusted insiders have mentioned “lifetime” terms or even long-term negotiations beyond his current deal.
🧮 Skinner’s Performance: Contract Justification
- Game breakdown: In 2024–25, he played 51 regular-season games with a save percentage around .896–.900, and led the team with 26 wins .
- Playoff runs: Skinner helped push Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals (2024 and 2025), logging 50 career playoff games despite a career playoff save percentage around .893
- Value to team: Hockey analysts emphasize Skinner’s current deal is a bargain in today’s cap environment—as many starting goalies earn two to three times more
🔍 Future Outlook: What’s Likely Next?
- No lifetime deal on the table, but with Skinner approaching unrestricted free agency in 2026, contract talks will likely resume in summer 2025 or early 2026.
- Comparable goaltender contracts (e.g., Dostal’s $6.25M AAV) suggest Skinner could command $5–7M per seasonon a 4–6 year extension — especially if he sustains performance and Edmonton remains in Cup contention.
- Edmonton’s strong defense corp additionally supports giving Skinner a sizeable role moving forward—but organizing a long-term cap structure remains important.
✅ Summary: What We Actually Know
| Topic | Facts |
|---|---|
| Current Deal | 3 years, $7.8 M (2023–24 → 2025–26) |
| Runs Until | End of 2025–26; UFAs status from summer 2026 |
| No Lifetime Contract | No credible reports confirm one or even long-term talks |
| Expected Future | Negotiations likely in 2025/2026; market comparables suggest $5–7 M AAV |
| Team Perspective | Bargain now, but core goalie for a Cup-pursuing team; will likely be rewarded accordingly |
✍️ Final Word
Exactly zero reputable sources support the claim that Skinner has inked a lifetime pledge — it’s likely fan enthusiasm or misreporting. The current verified contract runs only to 2026, and any extension would still need to fit under NHL salary-cap rules.
