EDMONTON, July 9, 2025. The National Hockey League has fined and publicly reprimanded Edmonton Oilers’ starting goalkeeper Stuart Skinner for remarks made after Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. The NHL judged the comments unacceptable and against NHL policy, citing the potential to undermine league officials and sportsmanship standards.
Incident Background
Skinner struggled during Edmonton’s 4-3 loss against the Florida Panthers on May 11. With Oilers backup Calvin Pickard absent, Skinner faced a deluge of shots, conceding an average of 5.36 goals and registering a .817 save percentage in the first three games. The most controversial moment came in the waning seconds of Game 3, when a puck deflected off Oilers star Leon Draisaitl’s stick into Edmonton’s open net, sealing the game and generating a flood of criticism.
Post-game comments raise tensions.
Following the game, Skinner, who had struggled since being put into the starting role, stated: “That’s a goalie’s job—to give your team a chance to win the game.” I thought I did, but there are a few tough bounces here and there.” The words, which were intended to characterize his performance in terms of teamwork and luck with the puck, touched a nerve. Fans and commentators described them as dismissive and without accountability, fueling the fires of dissatisfaction surrounding Edmonton’s goaltending issue.
League’s Response
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety conducted an investigation and has now affirmed the fine and public reprimand. According to league insiders, Skinner’s comments were interpreted as potentially undermining respect for on-ice officials and other players. According to NHL policy, while honest, public statements that appear to transfer blame or minimize mistakes may result in disciplinary action. The exact amount of the fine was not disclosed, but fines for comments are normally based on the player’s wage scale.
Team and Player Reactions
Skinner’s words have elicited a mixed reception among Oilers. Many teammates and supporters supported him. A popular Reddit thread stated, “Skinner wasn’t perfect last game, but the rest of the team was far from it,” stressing larger difficulties on the ice rather than assigning blame. Online sentiment mirrors a divide: some regard Skinner as tenacious under duress, while others feel he hasn’t performed to the level needed for a championship contender.
Broader Historical Context
This isn’t Skinner’s first experience with NHL discipline. The league has punished Oilers players for embellishment and showboating in recent years, but this is the first public violation related to post-game statements. The NHL looks to be making a statement: players must maintain accountability in public speech following severe competition.
What’s Next for Skinner and the Oilers?
The punishment comes as Skinner’s performance in the playoffs becomes increasingly scrutinized. His future in net for the Oilers, which was previously secure, now appears questionable. Sandy Mortimer, goaltending coach, noted that the team will provide full organizational support while emphasizing that “all players are held to the same standard of accountability.” Edmonton management plans to explore possibilities for next season, including potential competition for the No. 1 crease, to assure continuity for the squad attempting to end Canada’s 32-year Stanley Cup drought.
Bottom line.
Stuart Skinner’s fine and reprimand highlight the NHL’s commitment to upholding professional conduct off the ice. Skinner’s effort now shifts to balancing transparency and accountability as he seeks to win the trust of teammates, fans, and the league. With the Oilers’ future campaigns relying heavily on reliable goaltending, the message is clear: words are as important as saves.