Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner changes representation

Stuart Skinner played his part in helping the Edmonton Oilers make it to the Stanley Cup final this past season and although he still has a year owing on a contract that is paying him $2.6 million it appears that he's changed his representation, possibly in anticipation of negotiating a new deal with the Oilers even though he can't until the current one expires.

As noted, Skinner who is in the final year of a bridge deal has changed agencies and will now be represented by Alpha Hockey Inc. according to Ray Petkau who announced the news on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Skinner has had quite the start to his NHL career, first being named to the All-Rookie team while posting a 2.27 GAA and a .913 save percentage in 50 games which he did after taking over from Jack Campbell. Those stats were good enough for him to be offered a three-year deal by then-GM Ken Holland. Skinner's 2023 post-season solidified his extension which gave every indication that he was going to be the starter heading into the 2023-2024 season.

Although Skinner played big minutes last season like a true #1, it wasn't exactly easy. His .881 SV% the first two months of the season weren't anything to write home about which gave seasoned backup goaltender Calvin Pickard every opportunity to take the ball and run with it. But to the original point, why now? Well, it likely boils down to the success he experienced toward the end of the year and having a different voice speak for you doesn't necessarily hurt either.