The state of the Winnipeg Jets is unknown at the moment. As a team that struggles last season, they have not been active this offseason. However, they did make one move that is not talked about enough but could impact the Jets in many ways. With the rumors of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck being moved, is the Stuart Skinner signing bigger than we thought?
The signing of Skinner was crucial
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff knew he had a good roster, but he knew the team had holes and addressed them. Along with signing forward Noah Gregor and defenseman Mario Ferraro, the team signed Skinner to a 2-year deal worth $7.5 million.
If Hellebuyck is moved, Skinner steps right in as the starter. He has experience as a backup, but has played mostly as a starter. He also has playoff experience and has done rather well for himself in those games, something that can not be said for Hellebuyck. While he has yet to win a Stanley Cup, Skinner gives the Jets a valuable backup at the very least. If the team moves on from Hellebuyck, Skinner is more than capable of taking the starter position and running with it. He has been there before and is looking to make a name for himself once again.
Losing Hellebuyck would be a big loss, but Skinner is a goaltender who can make up for that loss with his experience and style of play.
Does Skinner fit the mold of an elite goaltender?
Skinner has spent most of his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers and this past season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 27-year-old Skinner has already had at least 11 wins in a season and had a career-high of 36 in the 2023-24 season, finishing sixth in the Vezina Trophy voting for the league's best goaltender.
The reason he was not considered an elite goaltender with Edmonton is that they did not have an adequate defense in front of him. He was exceptional every season he played with the Oilers but failed to get recognition for his play.
With the Penguins last season, he went 12-9-5 with an .885 save percentage and a 2.99 goals against average but those stats do not tell the story. He kept the Penguins in every game he played and made several key saves while between the pipes. However, like Edmonton, the defense was average in front of him.
With an improved defense in Winnipeg, he could once again be in the conversation for the Vezina Trophy. If Hellebuyck stays, he is more than qualified to step in when his name is called and give an outstanding performance in the net.
While the other players, and goaltenders, go the attention, the signing of Skinner may be the most important to a team on the verge of doing something special. Skinner is a solid goaltender who will stand on his head if need be. By signing with Winnipeg, he gave himself a chance to show the world what he can do with a more defined defensive core. He is out to prove his worth in the city of Winnipeg.
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