Maple Leafs eye Stanley Cup dreams with bold trade for Oilers’ playoff-tested goalie Stuart Skinner
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been chasing the Stanley Cup for over half a century. Their last appearance in the Final dates back to 1967, a long drought that weighs heavily on the franchise. Last season, they came agonizingly close, pushing the Florida Panthers to a seven-game series in the playoffs. Yet, in the world of sports, “close” is often a bitter pill to swallow.
To turn their aspirations into reality, Heavy.com has proposed a bold trade that could elevate the Maple Leafs’ chances by acquiring Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers. Skinner, a seasoned goaltender, has a proven track record of leading his team deep into the postseason, having reached the Cup Final in consecutive seasons.
Trade Dynamics and Player Profiles
The proposed trade could be a watershed moment for the Maple Leafs, primarily due to the exchange of goaltenders. Skinner, 26, is viewed as a more reliable option than Joseph Woll, who has dealt with consistency issues. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 230 pounds, Skinner is not only a formidable presence in the net but also presents a solid 1B option alongside Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz has shown he can handle the starting role if needed, particularly if Skinner falters or sustains an injury.
Skinner was selected 78th overall by the Oilers in the 2017 NHL Draft. In the 2024-25 regular season, he recorded an impressive 26 wins and three shutouts. His playoff performance further underscores his capabilities, as he added seven wins and three shutouts in just 15 games.
In this proposed deal, the Maple Leafs would also bring in Max Jones, a 27-year-old forward. At 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds, Jones was drafted 24th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2016. He is known for his gritty play, tallying two points and delivering 71 hits in 26 games split between the Oilers and the Boston Bruins.
This trade would see the Maple Leafs part ways with Woll, who was their 62nd overall pick in the 2016 draft. Woll, 27, had a solid season with 27 wins and one shutout, alongside a 2.73 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. While Stolarz and Woll have formed a dependable tandem during the regular season, the playoffs demand a different level of experience and composure.
The Playoff Experience Factor
As the Maple Leafs aim for their first Cup since 1967, the lack of playoff experience among their current goaltenders raises concerns. Stolarz showed promise until an injury sidelined him, but he has only participated in eight playoff games throughout his career. Woll, despite his 14 games of postseason experience, has yet to prove himself as a playoff stalwart.
Enter Skinner, who could provide the Maple Leafs with the experience they desperately need. The Edmonton native boasts four years of NHL experience, with notable playoff exposure—50 games across three seasons. In the past three playoffs alone, Skinner ranks among the top performers, sitting third in games played (50), third in wins (26), and second in shutouts (4). His goals against average (2.88) and save percentage further highlight his effectiveness under pressure.
A New Look for Skinner
Recent observations suggest that Skinner is entering the new season in peak form. Bob Stauffer noted that during the Oilers’ captain skates, Skinner appeared “completely different,” showcasing improved agility and a leaner physique. Such changes could indicate that Skinner is ready to take on an even larger role as he steps into a potential new chapter with the Maple Leafs.
As Toronto continues to evaluate its roster and prospects for the upcoming season, the potential acquisition of Stuart Skinner signifies not just a move for a goaltender, but a strategic push toward finally capturing the elusive Stanley Cup.
