Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Oilers Goalie Out After Knee-to-Head Hit Days After Clearing Concussion Protocol

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner suffered his second hit to the head in less than a week, and concussion concerns are growing bigger even though he cleared the protocol ahead of Wednesday's matchup, allowing him to start.

For starters, Skinner did not join the team's flight to Seattle for Thursday’s road game against the Kraken, according to Sportsnet's Mark Spector.

Making things more worrying, Skinner suffered a bad-looking hit to his head on Wednesday after taking a knee from Mikko Rantanen during Wednesday night’s 4–3 loss to the Dallas Stars, just days after he was forced out of another game by a concussion spotter.

Skinner’s injury occurred after a scramble in front of the crease led to a collision with Rantanen’s knee. The Oilers goaltender remained down briefly before skating off and did not return.

"I anticipate him not traveling" @EdmontonOilers Kris Knoblauch on @ssskipy_74 after he left the game in the 3rd.
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) March 27, 2025

Calvin Pickard, who replaced Skinner mid-third period, will likely get the start.

Prospect Olivier Rodrigue started for Bakersfield on Wednesday and could be a candidate if a recall is needed.

The lack of immediate on-ice response sparked criticism among Oilers players, with veteran Corey Perry taking responsibility for not reacting sooner and promising to fix that in the future.

Stuart Skinner leaves the game after taking an accidental knee to the head from Mikko Rantanen. pic.twitter.com/8buBncBqhJ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 27, 2025

“I should never let that happen,” Perry said. “I saw Stu go down, and everyone was standing around.

“We’ll talk about that internally.”

Meanwhile, coach Knoblauch said he was unsure what the team could do “without taking a major penalty.”

“You know, if a guy doesn't want to fight you, you don't fight," Knoblauch said about the Oilers' reaction on the ice as the hit on Stuart happened. "If you take it in your hands, you're vulnerable to taking the suspension.”

Following the loss, the Oilers (87 points) remain third in the Pacific Division with a 41-25-5 record while also waiting for the return of injured forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: