Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner named Calder Trophy finalist

After a tremendous regular season that saw him seize the reins as the Edmonton Oilers’ starting goaltender, Stuart Skinner has been named a finalist for the Calder Trophy.

The 24-year-old appeared in 50 games for the Oilers this season posting a 29-14-5 record, a .914 save percentage while saving 14.1 goals above expected. Starting the years as a backup behind Jack Campbell, it didn’t take long for Skinner to take over as the main guy. He quickly earned the trust to carry that roll on a full-time basis and didn’t look back.

Among all rookie goalies, Skinner led in wins (29) and games played (50). He also finished second among qualified rookie goalies (minimum 25 games played) in goals against average (2.75) and save percentage.

His win total set an Oilers rookie record and were the most among any rookie goalie since Matt Murray had 32 in the 2016-17 season. Skinner becomes the first Oiler to be a finalist for the award since Connor McDavid, who finished third in voting in 2015-16.

Skinner also is looking to be the first goaltender to win the Calder since Steve Mason did in 2008-09.

Also nominated for the award were Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers and Buffalo Sabres defenceman Owen Power. Beniers led rookies in scoring with 24 goals and 57 points in 80 helping earn the Kraken their first-ever berth into the playoffs. Power, meanwhile, finished third among all rookie skaters in assists with 31, adding on four goals for 35 points in 79 games.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.