OilersNation has reported:

Stuart Skinner has become the Winnipeg Jets’ starting goaltender during a season-opening stretch that has brought strong results and fan support, even as Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request continues to cloud the team’s crease. The former Edmonton Oilers goalie is 2-0-1 with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage, stopping 92 of 99 shots and allowing seven goals in his first three games. Winnipeg fans have begun chanting “Stuu!” in support of him.

Skinner, who wears No. 74, is backed up by newly acquired Clay Stevenson. His start has resembled the form he showed while helping Edmonton reach two Stanley Cup finals. He arrived in Winnipeg on a two-year contract signed this summer, and fans debated from the outset whether he would take over as the club’s starter.

The circumstances around Hellebuyck opened the way for Skinner to step into the role. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner under contract with Winnipeg, publicly confirmed that he wants to leave. The Jets suspended the American goaltender on Sept. 16, and he has missed training camp and the start of the season.

“Several months ago, I privately requested a trade,” Hellebuyck said. “I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

The trade request has not appeared to disrupt Skinner’s play. Winnipeg faces intense attention around the situation, but Skinner has performed above expectations so far. He had seemed to struggle under the spotlight in Edmonton, while expectations were low when he joined the Jets.

Hellebuyck’s request has been compared with recent trade demands by fellow American players Quinn Hughes and Brady Tkachuk, who have left their teams for what the source describes as greener pastures. The report suggests Hellebuyck may have played his final game as a Jet, although his future with the club remains unresolved.

Skinner’s early success has also revived debate over Edmonton’s decision to trade him. Last season, the Oilers sent Skinner, defenceman Brett Kulak and a draft pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for goaltender Tristan Jarry and minor-leaguer Samuel Poulin. At the time, questions included whether Skinner should have been moved, whether the deal amounted to a lateral change that brought in an older goalie, whether Pittsburgh should have retained some of Jarry’s salary and why Kulak had to be included.

Skinner said after the trade that he had no regrets about his time in Edmonton. “There’s not a moment that I didn’t try to do my best in Edmonton. I don’t have any regrets the way that I handled things. Perseverance, strength, kind of go down the list of what I tried to do for the organization…I’m very proud of what I was able to do down there. Could I have made an extra save or two? Absolutely. I’ll probably say that here. That’s kind of part of being a goalie and being a person. You keep on growing, keep on learning, but I always did my best and I will never stop doing my best.”

The trade has not produced a settled result for Edmonton. Jarry allowed six goals in his only game and is scheduled to start Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. Young goaltender Devon Levi is currently receiving more starts with the Oilers.

Skinner’s results in Pittsburgh were worse than his current numbers in Winnipeg. He went 12-9-5 with the Penguins, posting a 2.99 goals-against average and an .885 save percentage. Edmonton’s management and/or ownership wanted a change after Skinner underperformed in key moments, according to the source, despite his earlier role in the team’s two Stanley Cup final runs.

A playoff meeting between Edmonton and Winnipeg is possible, with the Jets considered talented enough to emerge from the Central Division and face the Oilers. Such a series would bring together two old rivals with different strengths and styles, and goaltending would be a central focus.

Some pundits have already questioned whether Skinner and Stevenson can form a successful tandem over the long term. Skinner’s hot start has not removed all doubt, and the pair’s performance across a longer stretch remains to be seen if Hellebuyck does not return. Edmonton fans who still support Skinner are wishing him well as Winnipeg navigates an uncertain season.

The source also included a promotion from J&P Auto: Edmonton fans can save 10 per cent on their next booking by using code NATION through the company’s online form. The advertised services include oil changes, brakes, tires, diagnostics and repairs, with the company describing its vehicle care as reliable and honest to help keep Edmonton drivers safely on the road.