Former Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner could soon return to Canada. With the Pittsburgh Penguins looking unlikely to retain his services, the 27-year-old might accept a short-term contract.

On Tuesday, NHL insider Kevin Weekes reported that the Ottawa Senators have shown interest in Skinner.

The goaltender is looking to rebuild his NHL career after losing the starting spot with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the playoffs.

The Senators already have Linus Ullmark as their starting goalie, but there are still questions about the backup position.

Veteran James Reimer is not expected to return, and Mads Sogaard is a pending unrestricted free agent. As a result, the Senators are looking to add more depth in goal.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen also connected the former Edmonton Oilers goaltender to the Senators as a possible offseason target.

He stated, “The expectation is he won’t be back with the Penguins next season, and the belief is he will be among Ottawa’s top targets in free agency.”

The link makes sense for both sides. The Ottawa Senators need a dependable backup goaltender, while Skinner could benefit from joining a team where he would not face the pressure of being the starting goalie.

As free agency gets closer, the Ottawa Senators may help end Stuart Skinner's underwhelming tenure in Pittsburgh.

Skinner’s Trade From Edmonton Failed to Deliver for Either Team

Stuart Skinner’s uncertain future comes less than a year after the Edmonton Oilers traded him. Along with defenseman Brett Kulak, he was sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry and Sam Poulin.

The trade was meant to fix Edmonton’s goaltending issues, but neither team got the results it wanted.

Skinner showed some strong moments after joining the Penguins, but inconsistency marred his playoff run. He conceded five goals in the first two losses against the Philadelphia Flyers before allowing four in a Game 3 defeat.

He eventually lost the starting role to Arturs Silovs.

While Skinner disappointed in the playoffs, he posted a respectable 12-9-5 record with the Penguins in the regular season. He recorded a 2.99 goals-against average and a .885 save percentage.

Ottawa could utilize his performances at a reasonable price.

Garrioch added, “By all accounts, Skinner is a quality individual who would fit in well here.”

With the Pittsburgh Penguins looking elsewhere and the Ottawa Senators looking for goaltending depth, Skinner could soon return to north of the Canadian border.

Can Stuart Skinner revive his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators? Comment down below. 

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul