BREAKING: Stuart Skinner Nominated For Massive NHL Award

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Skyler Walker
June 17, 2023 (8:46 PM)

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The NHL is heating up with the revelation of the finalists for the prestigious end-of-season awards, and the Calder Trophy is taking center stage. On Wednesday, the league announced the top three rookies competing for the award: Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, Sabres defenseman Owen Power, and Kraken center Matthew Beniers. The decision is made by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Stuart Skinner, the Oilers' young goalie, started the season as the backup behind Jack Campbell, who was brought in to bolster Edmonton's goaltending. However, Skinner quickly proved himself and started pushing for more playing time, eventually taking over as the starter. His performance earned him an All-Star nod in the midseason.

The rookie netminder led all first-year goalies in victories with 29 and games played with 50, making an impressive 2.75 goals-against average and .914 save percentage, ranking second among qualifying rookies who had played at least 25 games. Although his playoff performance doesn't count in the voting, Skinner has already started all six games for the Oilers in the playoffs and will continue his quest to help the team clinch the series against Vegas tonight.

If he wins the award, Skinner will become the first goalie to do so since Steve Mason in the 2008-09 season. The young Oilers player has shown incredible potential and poise in his first season, and his contribution to the team has been invaluable. All eyes are on Skinner as the playoffs progress, and the hockey world awaits the final decision on the Calder Trophy.