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The Winnipeg Jets made headlines this offseason by signing goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract with a $3.75 million annual cap hit. Skinner, who showcased his skills as a playoff performer with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, is expected to serve as the backup to three-time Vezina Trophy winner and Olympic gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck. While the Jets may benefit from this formidable duo, the signing adds complexity to the situation for their top goalie prospect, Thomas Milic.
Milic, a 23-year-old netminder, was poised to compete for the backup role this fall after Eric Comrie’s departure to the San Jose Sharks. However, with a seasoned goalie like Skinner now in the mix, Milic’s path to the NHL has become more challenging. Despite this setback, Milic has been making a name for himself, finishing last season in the AHL with a solid 20-13-8 record, a 2.64 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage.
His performance has not gone unnoticed; Milic achieved a notable milestone as the first Manitoba Moose goaltender to record back-to-back shutouts since Mikhail Berdin during the 2019-20 season. His recent success has left fans and analysts alike wondering about his future in the organization.
Milic did get a taste of NHL action last season, appearing in three games while Hellebuyck was injured. Unfortunately, those games were against playoff-bound teams, including a start against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. This tough initiation did little to showcase his abilities, leaving many to wonder if he was given a fair opportunity.
With another veteran goaltender now on the roster, the Jets face a pivotal decision regarding Milic’s future. The goaltending market remains active, and Winnipeg might consider trading the young prospect for future assets, such as draft picks. This move could provide Milic with a genuine chance to secure a roster spot elsewhere.
While a blockbuster trade is unlikely, modest value could still be on the table. For instance, the Toronto Maple Leafs recently traded third-string goaltender Dennis Hildeby along with draft picks to acquire forward Nick Paul from the Tampa Bay Lightning. A similar arrangement could benefit the Jets, enabling them to acquire immediate help as they aim for a successful season with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
