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DEAL ACCEPTED: Excitement Hits Rogers Place as Edmonton Oilers Goaltender Stuart Skinner Joins Senior Coaching Staff
Edmonton, Alberta – July 6, 2025
In a major announcement that is both surprising and deeply sentimental, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner has officially retired from playing professional hockey and will immediately transition into a senior coaching role with the Oilers’ organization.
The announcement was made this morning at a special press conference held inside Rogers Place, where General Manager Ken Holland and Head Coach Kris Knoblauch introduced Skinner as the newest member of the senior coaching staff. The move marks a new chapter for one of Edmonton’s most beloved homegrown players and sends shockwaves through the hockey community.
> “Today, we’re not just adding a coach—we’re welcoming back a leader, a mentor, and a true Oiler,” Holland stated. “Stuart Skinner has accepted our offer to join the Oilers in a senior coaching capacity, focusing on goaltending development and player leadership across the organization.”
The 26-year-old Skinner, a native of Edmonton, spent the past several seasons as the Oilers’ primary goaltender, backstopping the team through some of its most competitive playoff runs in decades. Known for his composure in high-pressure situations and unwavering dedication, Skinner became a fan favorite not just for his performance on the ice, but also for his character off of it.
A Sudden, Yet Purposeful Decision
While Skinner’s retirement from active play comes earlier than many expected, sources within the organization say the decision has been in discussion for several weeks. Skinner, who has battled lingering hip and groin issues over the past two seasons, made the call after careful consultation with medical staff, family, and the team’s leadership.
> “This isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning,” Skinner said during the press conference, visibly emotional. “I’ve given everything I have to this game as a player. Now, I get to give back in a new way, helping the next generation grow and succeed.”
The Oilers’ coaching staff, led by Knoblauch, is thrilled to have Skinner on board. His new role will be multi-faceted: he’ll work closely with goaltending prospects throughout the Oilers’ system, provide mentoring and mental preparation strategies for both NHL and AHL players, and collaborate with coaching leadership on team culture and performance standards.
> “Stuart has an incredible hockey IQ, and his understanding of the game goes well beyond the crease,” said Knoblauch. “He’s always been a student of the game. Having him on the bench and in the room brings a huge advantage to this team.”
From Local Kid to Franchise Pillar
Stuart Skinner’s journey to this point has been nothing short of inspiring. Drafted by the Oilers in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft, he was a standout for the Lethbridge Hurricanes and later the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL. Over the years, he battled through the minor league ranks with the Bakersfield Condors before establishing himself as a reliable and skilled goaltender in the NHL.
His breakout season came in 2022–23, when he helped lead the Oilers deep into the playoffs and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. He followed it up with two more strong campaigns, cementing his reputation as a consistent and focused performer.
But beyond the stats and saves, it was Skinner’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to Edmonton—his hometown—that set him apart.
> “To wear the Oilers jersey in front of my family, friends, and the city I grew up in was a dream,” Skinner said. “Now I get to help others chase theirs.”
A Beloved Return to Rogers Place
Fans and teammates alike have reacted with a mix of surprise and celebration. The news broke mid-morning, and by midday, tributes to Skinner were pouring in from across the hockey world. The hashtag #ThankYouSkinner quickly began trending on social media.
Longtime teammate Connor McDavid said in a statement: “Stu is one of the best guys I’ve ever shared a locker room with. We’ll miss him between the pipes, but having him behind the bench is a huge win for us.”
Goaltending legend and former Oilers goalie Grant Fuhr also chimed in via social media, writing: “A smart move by the Oilers. Stuart Skinner has the mind and heart of a great coach. His next chapter will be just as impactful as the last.”
Looking Ahead
Skinner’s first duties in his new role begin immediately. He will join the coaching staff for the upcoming Oilers development camp and will travel with the team during preseason to work closely with goalie prospects and young defensemen.
In a touching moment at the end of the press conference, Skinner was presented with a custom Oilers coaching jacket and a framed jersey bearing the inscription: “Once a player, forever an Oiler.”
The Legacy Continues
Though his playing career may have concluded earlier than many fans hoped, Stuart Skinner’s legacy in Edmonton is far from over. As he transitions into coaching, his passion for the game, leadership abilities, and deep connection to the city are sure to make a lasting impact—on the players he mentors, the team he helps build, and the fans who continue to chant his name at Rogers Place.