Stuart Daniel Skinner Bio
Stuart Daniel Skinner is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. Born on November 1, 1998, in Edmonton, Alberta, the 6-foot-4 netminder was selected 78th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Skinner spent parts of five seasons with the Oilers organization before being traded to Pittsburgh in December 2025. He is widely recognized for his exceptional reflexes, positional awareness, and ability to steal games for his team. Skinner has established himself as a reliable starting goaltender in the NHL, earning an All-Star selection in 2023 and setting a franchise record with 11 consecutive wins during the 2023-24 season.
Early Life and Background
Stuart Daniel Skinner was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, as the youngest of nine siblings, all of whom have first names beginning with the letter “S.” His upbringing in the hockey-rich city of Edmonton provided him with countless opportunities to develop his passion for the sport from an early age. Skinner played minor ice hockey at the South Side Athletic Club, commonly known as SSAC, where he began laying the foundation for his future career.
During his time in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League, Skinner overlapped on the SSAC Lions with future Edmonton Oilers teammates Tyler Benson, with whom he played two seasons, and James Hamblin, with whom he shared one season. These early connections would later prove significant as all three players advanced through the Oilers organization together. Growing up in Edmonton also gave Skinner the unique advantage of watching NHL players at Rogers Place, fueling his dream of one day becoming a professional goaltender himself.
Path to Professional Hockey
Skinner pursued major junior hockey in the Western Hockey League, playing for both the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Swift Current Broncos. His time in Lethbridge proved particularly memorable and historic. On March 18, 2016, Skinner accomplished a rare feat by scoring an empty net goal against the Medicine Hat Tigers while playing for the Hurricanes. This achievement made him the only goaltender in Lethbridge Hurricanes franchise history and only the seventh goaltender in WHL history to accomplish this milestone, showcasing his competitive fire and puck-handling skills long before reaching the professional ranks.
After being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2017, Skinner continued his development in the minors while waiting for his opportunity at the NHL level. He signed his first professional contract, a three-year entry-level deal, with the Oilers on May 14, 2018. The former third-round pick steadily climbed the organizational ladder, refining his technique and building confidence in Bakersfield with the American Hockey League affiliate Condors.
Stuart Daniel Skinner Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Upon signing with the Oilers organization in 2018, Skinner began his professional journey primarily with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. The young goaltender faced the typical challenges of transitioning from junior hockey to the professional level, working diligently on his rebound control and lateral movement. His patient approach during this developmental period would pay significant dividends in his eventual NHL success.
Skinner entered the 2020-21 season, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, still on his entry-level contract. With veteran Mike Smith injured, Skinner served as backup to Mikko Koskinen for the first nine games of the season. This period allowed him to observe and learn from experienced NHL goaltenders while remaining ready for his inevitable opportunity.
Edmonton Oilers Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Skinner made his NHL debut and first career start on January 31, 2021, against the Ottawa Senators, a game he would never forget. He collected his first NHL victory in dramatic fashion as the Oilers defeated the Senators 8-5. Following his brief NHL stint, Skinner returned to Bakersfield for the remainder of the season, where he dominated the AHL competition. He led all goaltenders with 20 wins and helped backstop the Condors to the Pacific Division Championship, establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the Oilers system.
The 2021-22 season saw Skinner split time between the AHL and NHL. On February 14, 2022, he recorded his first NHL shutout in spectacular fashion, making 20 saves in a 3-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks. This performance demonstrated his ability to steal games at the highest level and gave the Oilers coaching staff increased confidence in his capabilities.
During the 2022-23 season, Skinner seized the starting goaltender role through strong play. With the departure of Mikko Koskinen and an injury to Mike Smith, he was initially expected to serve as backup to newly signed Jack Campbell. However, Skinner’s consistently strong performances, combined with Campbell’s struggles, allowed Skinner to take over as the number one goaltender. On January 19, 2023, he was announced as one of three Pacific Division players selected for the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, joined by teammate Leon Draisaitl. Skinner appeared in 50 games that regular season, posting a 29-14-5 record with a .914 save percentage. His outstanding rookie campaign earned him recognition as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2025-Present)
After years of solid performance with the Oilers, Skinner was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 12, 2025. The trade package included defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick in exchange for goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin. At the time of the trade, Skinner carried an 11-8-4 record through 23 games with two shutouts, a 2.83 goals-against average, and an .891 save percentage.
Skinner played his first game with the Penguins on December 16, 2025, in a somewhat poetic twist against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers. The Penguins fell 6-4 in that contest, with Skinner making 17 saves. This matchup marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career as he worked to establish himself as the franchise goaltender in Pittsburgh.
Driving Style and Strengths
Skinner is known for his impressive size at 6-foot-4, which allows him to take away significant net space from opposing shooters. His excellent positioning and tracking ability enable him to read plays developing in front of him and react accordingly. Despite his imposing frame, he demonstrates quick lateral movement and impressive athleticism for a goaltender of his size. Skinner possesses strong mental toughness, remaining composed under pressure and bouncing back from difficult goals. His puck-handling skills, evidenced by his historic WHL empty net goal, add an extra dimension to his game that coaches appreciate.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Skinner’s most memorable achievements is the franchise record he set during the 2023-24 season. As part of the Oilers’ remarkable 16-game winning streak, which established a new Canadian and franchise record, Skinner recorded his 11th consecutive win on January 23, 2024, surpassing the previous franchise record of 10 consecutive wins held by legendary goaltender Grant Fuhr. This accomplishment solidified his place in Oilers history and demonstrated his ability to perform at an elite level when his team needed him most.
Stuart Daniel Skinner Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Stuart Skinner has accumulated significant wins at both the NHL and AHL levels. His most productive season came in 2022-23 when he posted a 29-14-5 record with the Oilers. Prior to that, he led all AHL goaltenders with 20 wins during the 2020-21 season with Bakersfield. Skinner has also recorded multiple shutouts at the NHL level, with his first coming against the San Jose Sharks in February 2022 and at least two more during his tenure with Edmonton.
NHL Highlights
Skinner’s NHL career highlights include his debut win against the Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2021, a game that set the stage for his future success. His first shutout came on February 14, 2022, versus the San Jose Sharks. The 2022-23 season proved to be his breakthrough year, as he appeared in 50 games with a 29-14-5 record and was named to the All-Star Game. His career-high 11 consecutive wins during the 2023-24 season broke a franchise record that had stood for decades.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to his NHL success, Skinner was a dominant force in the American Hockey League with the Bakersfield Condors. His 20-win season in 2020-21 led all AHL goaltenders and helped the Condors capture the Pacific Division Championship. His junior career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes also included numerous victories and playoff appearances, building the foundation for his professional success.
Stuart Daniel Skinner Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Stuart Daniel Skinner comes from a large family, being the youngest of nine siblings. Remarkably, all of his siblings have first names that begin with the letter “S,” creating a distinctive family tradition. While none of his siblings pursued professional hockey careers at the highest levels, the family’s support and encouragement played a crucial role in his development as a player. Growing up in a large household in Edmonton, Alberta, Skinner learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork from an early age.
Personal Life
Skinner met his wife, Chloe, in what he has described as a memorable encounter following a WHL game he played in Lethbridge. The couple dated for several years before marrying in June 2020. Together, they have welcomed two sons. Their first son, Beau, was born in 2023, and their second son, Darcy, was born in 2025. Skinner frequently shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showcasing his devotion to his wife and children despite the demands of a professional hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Stuart Skinner following his mid-season trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 12. At the time of the trade, he had appeared in 23 games with an 11-8-4 record, two shutouts, a 2.83 goals-against average, and an .891 save percentage with the Oilers. The Penguins acquired Skinner to stabilize their goaltending situation after previous starter Tristan Jarry was dealt the other way.
Skinner made his Penguins debut on December 16 against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers. Though the Penguins lost 6-4 with Skinner making 17 saves, the game represented the beginning of his integration into a new locker room and system. As the season continued, Skinner worked to build chemistry with the Penguins’ defensemen and coaching staff while establishing himself as the team’s number one goaltender option.