The Edmonton Oilers weren’t done signing players after they locked up Darnell Nurse on an eight-year contract extension. On Sunday they announced the signing of goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year, two-way contract extension. This news comes one day after the Oilers signed former NHL player and forward Brendan Perlini to a one-year, two-way deal.
SKIIIINNNERRRRR
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 8, 2021
The #Oilers have signed goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year, two-way contract extension. #LetsGoOilers
Skinner is going to be an interesting player to watch this season. He had an outstanding 2020-21 campaign with the Bakersfield Condors and got a lot of attention as a possible goaltender of the future for the Oilers. Considering Edmonton didn’t upgrade their netminding situation this offseason, if either Mikko Koskinen or Mike Smith struggle, the Oilers could give Skinner a look.
Skinner led the AHL in wins, finished second in GAA, and third in save percentage. Projections are that he’ll be in consideration for part-time work or a backup role in Edmonton for the 2022-23 season, but the Oilers might want to look more closely at him this year to see if he can handle NHL duties. He’ll be in competition with a player like Alex Stalock for a shot with the big club this season. Skinner went 20-9-1, 2.38 GAA, with a .914 save percentage. He is waiver exempt for the upcoming season.
As for Perlini, he’s a depth signing for the Oilers and the hope is he can compete for a fourth-line role on the roster this coming season. He’s likely more a depth signing for the Condors but he’s got some skill and has scored double digits in the NHL before.
S I G N I N G
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 7, 2021
The #Oilers have signed forward Brendan Perlini to a one-year, two-way deal. #LetsGoOilers
He previously played for Oilers head coach Dave Tippett in Arizona and it could be Tippett’s suggestion that brought Perlini to Edmonton. He played well as a member of the Arizona Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks, but things didn’t go as well for him with the Detroit Red Wings after being traded there. He was offered a two-way deal because the Red Wings weren’t sure about committing to him, but chose to head over to Europe and signed with Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland. He posted nine goals and seven assists in 21 games. He finished seventh in team scoring but missed more than half the season.
This is a player who could offer the Oilers some offense if he gets on track, but it’s also a safe bet since he can be buried in the minors for $250K if he struggles.
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