Following what was their President’s Trophy-winning season, the Winnipeg Jets largely struggled in the 2025-26 campaign and ultimately missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
And while they’re continuing to grapple with the uncertainty surrounding the future of All-Star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with the franchise, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is making a prudent move that has fans talking.
According to multiple reports, the Jets have signed former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract with a salary cap hit of $3.75 million.
The news was then made official by the Jets, who confirmed the news on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Winnipeg Jets Have Signed Goaltender Stuart Skinner, Who Split Last Year Between Edmonton And Pittsburgh
Even though he spent significant time guarding the crease during Edmonton’s back-to-back runs to the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers moved on from Skinner, dealing him to Pittsburgh in December.
After joining the Penguins, Skinner posted a 12-9-5 record along with a 2.99 goals-against average and a .885 save percentage, without recording a shutout.
He opened the 2026 playoffs as Pittsburgh’s starter, appearing in the first three games, but was later pulled in favor of Šilovs for the final three contests. Šilovs had been acquired from Vancouver by the Penguins the previous offseason.
Skinner Is Already Excited For the Opportunity In Winnipeg
Speaking with Jets reporters via Zoom, Skinner expressed his excitement over joining a new organization filled with players that he already is familiar with.
“I think just conversations with me and my agent, talking about being able to go into an organization like that, how they treat their players, and all that really fits into what I was looking for,” said Skinner via Zoom.
“I know some of the guys on the team already living out in Calgary now, so it’ll be easy for me to get on ice and get some good summer training in with those guys and really develop a great relationship with those guys.”
The Jets allowed the fewest goals of any NHL team in 2023-24 and 2024-25, but that wasn’t necessarily on Skinner’s mind.
“I honestly wasn’t thinking too much about that. I think the conversations were more based on the type of place I’m going into being able to be a Winnipeg Jet. So that was the main basis of it,” said Skinner.
“Obviously, the Jennings that you bring up excites me as well. Hopefully, we can continue to do that. I’m certainly going to do my best. I think it’s a really exciting moment for me, obviously, to get this deal done and to be a Jet.”
Skinner Can’t Wait To Get Started With Goalie Coach Wade Flaherty
Skinner is already looking forward to working under goaltending coach Wade Flaherty, who carries a strong reputation around the NHL.
Jets Sign Former Canadian Rival Goaltender