Winnipeg Jets Sign Stuart Skinner to a 2-Year Deal

The Winnipeg Jets have found their answer in goal if they decide to move on from Connor Hellebuyck, agreeing to terms with Stuart Skinner on a two-year contract worth $3.75 million annually. The move, first reported by Elliotte Friedman, gives Winnipeg an experienced starting-caliber goaltender entering the prime of his career while adding much-needed stability between the pipes.

For Skinner, the signing represents a fresh start after several seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins, where he experienced the highs of deep playoff runs and the pressures that come with playing in one of hockey’s most demanding markets.

A Goaltender Capable of Handling Pressure

One of the biggest things Skinner brings to Winnipeg is experience under immense pressure. Over the past few years, he has started meaningful regular-season games and playoff contests while backstopping a Stanley Cup contender.

While his numbers have fluctuated throughout his career, Skinner has consistently shown the ability to bounce back from difficult stretches. Playing in Edmonton meant every goal against was scrutinized, something that often comes with the territory when expectations are championship-or-bust.

That experience should benefit a Jets team looking to remain among the Western Conference contenders.

A Strong Fit Behind Winnipeg’s Defensive Structure

Winnipeg has traditionally been one of the NHL’s better defensive clubs, limiting high-danger opportunities and allowing their goaltenders to play within structure. That system could play directly into Skinner’s strengths.

At his best, Skinner is a technically sound positional goaltender who tracks the puck well and rarely overcommits. Behind a disciplined defensive group, he’ll likely face fewer odd-man rushes and second-chance opportunities than he often did in Edmonton.

The Jets don’t necessarily need Skinner to steal every game—they need consistency. If he can provide league-average or better goaltending on a nightly basis, Winnipeg should remain firmly in the playoff picture.

The Jets Add Stability

Goaltending depth has become increasingly important across the NHL, and Winnipeg has addressed that need with a relatively affordable contract. At a $3.75 million cap hit, Skinner provides value if he returns to the form that made him one of Edmonton’s most dependable players during their deepest playoff runs.

The two-year term also carries limited long-term risk. If Skinner excels, Winnipeg has secured quality goaltending below the market rate. If things don’t work out, the commitment isn’t one that will hamper the organization’s future flexibility.

It’s the type of calculated signing successful teams often make during free agency.

A Chance to Reset His Career

Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs. Leaving Edmonton removes the constant spotlight and allows Skinner to begin a new chapter with a franchise that has consistently been competitive.

The Jets aren’t asking him to be perfect—they’re asking him to provide reliable goaltending behind an established core that believes it can compete for the Stanley Cup. At 27 years old, Skinner still has room to grow, and goaltenders often hit their peak later than skaters. Winnipeg is betting that his best hockey is still ahead of him.

If Skinner rediscovers the consistency that made him one of the NHL’s more dependable starters just a few seasons ago, this could quietly become one of the better value signings of the 2026 free agency period.