Skinner set to carry the load in Jets’ net after Hellebuyck’s exit demand

But he’s been impressed by the team’s talent and collective focus as the Jets push to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

“It’s been good,” Skinner said. “I feel like in this situation, you definitely wanted to come in early and kind of dive right in.”

Stuart was signed as insurance. Star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck put his future in Winnipeg in serious doubt after voicing his displeasure following a 35-35-12 finish last season.

And when Hellebuyck went public with his trade request in late August, followed by an indefinite suspension for not reporting to camp, Skinner was suddenly thrust into the starting role, with little experienced competition behind him.

Sharing the same agent as Hellebuyck, Skinner wasn’t blind to what he was walking into. He nonetheless appreciated the support from the organization and looked forward to building on his last few weeks with the Jets.

“No matter what situation you’re in, no matter what type of spotlight, pressure… you got your work that you got to do,” Skinner said. “My job’s to do my work in the gym, do my work in the video room, go on the ice and stop pucks.”

Skinner enters his sixth NHL season since he was selected by his hometown Oilers in the third round of the 2017 NHL draft.

After helping Edmonton reach back-to-back Stanley Cup finals in 2024 and 2025, he became a scapegoat for the Oilers’ inability to close out and claim the Cup. Skinner was traded to Pittsburgh in December last season.

While his statistics remained modest after the trade, he helped lift an underdog Penguins team into the playoffs before he became a free agent.

While Hellebuyck is considered among the best goalies in the world — with a 345-208-55 record, a 2.58 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage over his 11-year career in Winnipeg — Skinner has been more than serviceable.

He’s started 218 games, with a record of 121-71-23, a 2.77 GAA and a .902 save percentage. At 27, he’s younger than the 33-year-old Hellebuyck.

The biggest differences between the two is their workload.

Hellebuyck has played more minutes and made more saves than any other netminder since his debut in 2015. He routinely played over 60 games per season when healthy.

Skinner has topped out at 59 games in 2023-24, with his next busiest season at 51.

Despite the regular season expanding to 84 games under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, Skinner feels confident he can fill whatever role the Jets need.

“I can definitely take on a high load if that’s what’s needed,” Skinner said. “I love playing as many games as I can possibly play.”

He made a strong impression in his first outing with the Jets when he stopped 31 of 32 shots in a 3-1 pre-season win over the visiting Colorado Avalanche. That prompted loud “Stuuu” chants from the home crowd.

It was about as good a first impression as he could have hoped for, and endeared him to his new teammates.

“He’s just a great guy. Works hard,” said centre Mark Scheifele. “He’s curious about certain shots if you score on him. What can he do better? What did you see? We’re just excited to keep getting to know him.”

While Skinner gets comfortable with his new surroundings, he’s built up a cheering section among NHL fans.

With many feeling he got a raw deal in Edmonton — along with his genuine honesty in interviews and advocacy for mental health awareness — he has many outside Winnipeg hoping he does well.

Skinner said he doesn’t follow social media, but he’s aware of the support he’s received from other corners of the hockey world. With a big season ahead, any good karma is welcomed.

“It means so much to have people behind you and have people that you know care about you — it is more than hockey,” Skinner said.

“Love is a lot stronger than hate and fear. It’s overwhelming with how much love I feel in my heart for the fans here and for how much love I do get. I mean, you heard it in the stands, even in my first pre-season game. If it’s that loud for a pre-season game, I’m really excited when it comes to the season.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2026.

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Skinner set to carry the load in Jets’ net after Hellebuyck’s exit demand

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