Why Stuart Skinner Should Win The Calder

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Joshua Deeds
April 15, 2023 (3:50 PM)

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Stuart Skinner started making his full-time appearance in the NHL this season as he started 50 regular-season NHL games in 2022-2023.

In his 50 appearances, he won 29 of those, with 14 losses and 5 ties with a .914 sv%. While his 2.75 GAA isn't perfect, he still pulled his team through games they probably shouldn't have won.

The rookie goaltender broke a record held by legendary goalie Grant Fuhr, with 29 wins this season.

Most impressively, his 29 victories broke the Oilers franchise record for wins by a rookie goaltender, surpassing the 28 that future NHL Hall of Famer Grant Fuhr recorded back in 1981-82.

Skinner showed glimpses of brilliance last season in his limited showing and with Jay Woodcroft's system in front of the rookie, it has paid off.

Not only did he break Grant Fuhr's record but he made an All-Star appearance this season as well, along with earning the gratitude of his teammates.

"He's been unbelievable. You know, he's really stepped up throughout the whole year," McDavid said. "I'm not sure where we'd be without him. I think it would be hard to find a rookie who's had a better year than Stu."

The last goalie to win a Calder Trophy was Steve Mason in 2008-2009, with not too dissimilar stats: 33-20-7 record, 2.34 goals against average, and a .916 sv%. But his competition will be within his own division, as Matty Beniers has also had an impressive season as the Seattle Kraken's 1st line Center., with 24 goals, 33 assists, and 57 points in 80 games this season.

There is definitely a case for Skinner to win the Calder this season, but when all is said and done, he is after the biggest prize of all them all, Lord Stanley's Cup and that is his focus.