In the ever-evolving world of NHL trades, the Pittsburgh Penguins are making headlines with the potential move of Stuart Skinner before the March 6 trade deadline. Even with the team's surprising success this season, GM Kyle Dubas is keeping his eyes on the long-term picture. This was evident when he traded Brett Kulak to Colorado for Samuel Girard and a second-round pick, signaling that no one is off the table.
With Skinner potentially on the move, the buzz around the league is growing. Insider Frank Seravalli has pinpointed three teams that could be prime destinations: the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Carolina Hurricanes.
The big question surrounding Skinner is whether he's the long-term solution in the net. It seems that might not be the case for Pittsburgh.
Teams like Montreal, who are in dire need of a reliable goalie, are likely to be interested. The Canadiens' need is particularly acute, making them a logical contender for Skinner's services.
The cost for acquiring him as a rental might be manageable, and it aligns with their future plans for Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes.
Ottawa and Carolina also present intriguing possibilities. While the Senators' goaltending has struggled, pairing Skinner with Linus Ullmark could bolster their lineup. On the other hand, the Hurricanes, always on the lookout for depth, might find Skinner a valuable addition, complementing their current options like Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen.
Skinner, at 27, is in the final year of a three-year, $7.8 million deal initially inked with the Oilers in 2022. His record this season-19-12-5 with a 2.79 goals-against average, an .890 save percentage, and two shutouts-shows he's still a strong contender in the crease.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Canadiens seem to be the frontrunners in this race. Skinner's experience and current form make him an attractive target, and Montreal's urgency for a goalie could see them making a decisive move soon. Keep an eye on this developing story as the league gears up for some potentially game-changing trades.