Stuart Skinner is effectively conscious that he might very effectively turn into the Winnipeg Jets’ beginning goaltender this season.
Connor Hellebuyck, who had been Winnipeg’s beginning netminder for the previous 10 seasons, lately repeated his request to be traded.
With Hellebuyck’s standing nonetheless up within the air, Skinner – who signed a two-year cope with the Jets final July – was requested if the scenario is on his thoughts as he will get accustomed to his new environment.
“It’s humorous, it is likely to be me that will get impacted slightly bit extra,” Skinner mentioned after an off-the-cuff skate on the Hockey For All Centre on Wednesday. “However I haven’t thought a lot about it. There’s so many distractions that may go round on this league, by means of trades, by means of anyone’s scenario. So what I’ve realized in my 4 years is my job is my job.”
Skinner, 27, cut up final season between the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins. He has a goals-against common of two.77 over 224 profession NHL regular-season video games.
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His new teammates haven’t any management over the membership’s goaltending plans both.
“The scenario goes to resolve itself a technique or one other,” Jets captain Adam Lowry advised reporters on Tuesday. “So long as (Hellebuyck is) a member of the Jets, we’ll deal with that scenario as such.”
Hellebuyck, 33, remains to be beneath contract for one more 5 years at about $8.5 million a 12 months. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner gained the Hart Trophy winner in 2025 because the NHL’s most respected participant.
Skinner, a six-foot-four 215-pound Edmonton native, backstopped the Oilers in two straight Stanley Cup finals (2024 and 2025), shedding each sequence. He was dealt to Pittsburgh in a midseason commerce after struggling at instances final season.
“It’s all the time a tough sport once you’re enjoying within the ‘Peg, so I’m pleased to have home-ice benefit right here now,” he mentioned. “I’m excited for it. I can’t wait to get within the constructing.”
Skinner mentioned his new teammates are a “actually enjoyable group to be round.”
“Actually, it’s been superior,” he mentioned “They’ve made it very easy for me. I knew just a few guys however that was about it. Coming in right here, all people has been so good, so sort and very useful.”
Winnipeg missed the playoffs final spring after ending twelfth within the 16-team Western Convention standings.
The Jets gained the Presidents’ Trophy a 12 months earlier however have been eradicated within the second spherical of the post-season.
“In my view, I feel this group has what it takes to win,” Skinner mentioned. “It’s only a matter of with the ability to undergo (the challenges) for the entire 12 months, enjoying at a constant degree and sticking collectively by means of all the things.”
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