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Penguins interest in Stuart Skinner proves short-term goalie plan is locked in
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Josh Yohe says the Pittsburgh Penguins want Stuart Skinner back, and that matters because the pending UFA carries a $2.6 million cap hit.
His deal expires this summer, and likely fits only on a short deal.
Skinner is 27. Edmonton drafted him in 2017, third round, and Pittsburgh now has to decide whether this is a bridge or a commitment.
Yohe's report points to roster construction, not headline chasing.
Skinner has given Pittsburgh usable work. He entered March 21 with a 20-13-9 record, a 2.85 goals-against average, and a .890 save percentage in 42 starts.
The Penguins also entered the day at 34-18-16 with 84 points. They were still fighting for position in a packed Eastern playoff race.
You can see the post's tension immediately, because it is less about affection for the goalie and more about price, term, and control.
Re Penguins: "The Penguins seem interested in bringing Stuart Skinner back next season; it would seem unlikely that the Penguins would offer Skinner a multi-year deal."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
Stuart Skinner gives Pittsburgh Penguins flexibility
Fans should read this as a Dubas signal. Pittsburgh wants protection against overcommitting in the crease.
A multi-year deal would squeeze future decisions around Arturs Silovs, Joel Blomqvist, and Sergei Murashov. A short contract keeps every lane open.
That matters on the ice too. Skinner can handle volume, survive broken coverage, and give a veteran team a chance without forcing management into a long cap bet.
For the next game against Winnipeg, the fit is simple. Pittsburgh needs stops through traffic and calmer rebound management, not another summer problem arriving early.
That is why this rumor has weight. It connects the playoff push, the offseason budget, and the entire goaltending timeline in one decision.
If Skinner comes back on a short ticket, it will not be splashy. It will be Pittsburgh buying time, and right now time is the most valuable asset in that crease.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 21|82 ANSWERS Penguins interest in Stuart Skinner proves short-term goalie plan is locked in Should the Penguins bring Stuart Skinner back on a short-term contract? | ||
| Yes | 64 | 78 % |
| No | 18 | 22 % |
| List of polls | ||