Edmonton Oilers goaltender may be unavailable for midseason game for personal reasons
It was recently announced that Stuart Skinner may be unavailable for a midseason roadie as the Skinner family is expecting the birth of their second child.
As per Ryan Hall of Oilers Daily, this news will mean that Skinner's tandem partner Calvin Pickard is expected start between the pipes for a few games as the Oilers enter the second half of the year.
Aside fatherhood, Skinner will also brace for the heavy workload that he's about to face as he is the number one goaltender for the Oilers. He spoke to reporters on how he feels as a player and as the starter for the team which he revealed a greater maturity in himself.
Despite the great news of fatherhood, this will be the second time in two years that Skinner will be missing regular season games due to parental reasons.
In 2023, Stuart Skinner missed a mid season California road trip as he and his wife, Chloe Skinner, gave birth to their first born son, Beau Skinner. Despite the inconvenience for the team, this might be surprisingly good news for the Oilers...
Okay, hear me out. I know that missing games isn't exactly a good thing. but there's something to be said about the power of "dad strength". Last year, the Oilers got off to an abysmal 3-9-1 start, but after the birth of his son Beau, Stuey Skinner looked completely different between the pipes, taking the Oilers all the way to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Who knows? Skinner's newborn could be a nice little good luck charm for the Oilers. Skinner has his eyes set on repeating last year's success, and has been working hard all off season long on the physical and mental aspects of the game. Regardless, Oilers insider would like to send all their love to the Skinner family - take all the time you need to support your lovely wife, Stu.
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