When it comes to offseason roster moves, few storylines are as intriguing as the potential departure of a key player. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, goaltender Stuart Skinner is one name that could be making headlines—and not just in the Steel City.
Skinner, a pending unrestricted free agent, finds himself at a crossroads with the Penguins. With young netminders Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov waiting in the wings, Pittsburgh may decide to let Skinner test the open market when free agency opens on July 1. And if that happens, the 26-year-old netminder won't be short on suitors.
According to a recent report from Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, the Ottawa Senators are expected to be among the top teams pursuing Skinner if he becomes available. Garrioch noted that Senators general manager Steve Staios—who previously worked with the Edmonton Oilers organization—has a keen eye on Skinner, and the belief is that the goaltender will be a primary target for Ottawa in free agency.
This makes sense on multiple levels. The Senators struggled mightily with their backup goaltending this season, and adding a proven NHL starter like Skinner could provide a much-needed boost. Pairing him with Linus Ullmark would give Ottawa a formidable one-two punch between the pipes—something the club has sorely lacked.
For now, all eyes are on the Penguins' front office. Will they find a way to keep Skinner in the fold, or will they let him walk and invest in their younger talent? If the latter happens, don't be surprised to see Skinner donning a Senators jersey next season. Either way, this is a story that will keep hockey fans buzzing all summer long.
