local
NHL free agency opens with Stuart Skinner heading to Winnipeg as goalie carousel starts spinning
By JOHN WAWROW and STEPHEN WHYNO, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
Stuart Skinner is heading to Winnipeg as the carousel of goaltenders moving around the NHL picked up steam Wednesday with the start of free agency. Skinner agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million with the Jets, who have been listening to trade offers for three-time Vezina Trophy...
Key takeaway 5 million with the Jets, who have been listening to trade offers for three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents who follow hockey, the movement of goalies like Stuart Skinner may have implications for the local minor league teams that feed into the NHL. As the goalie carousel spins, it could create opportunities for up-and-coming goalies from the Permian Basin area to move up the ranks. The Permian Basin is home to a thriving youth hockey scene, and local players may be watching the NHL's free agency moves closely to see how they might impact their own chances of advancing to the professional level. With Skinner's departure from his previous team, his new contract with the Winnipeg Jets could potentially create a ripple effect that is felt in the minor leagues, including those with ties to the Odessa area. Local hockey fans will be keeping a close eye on how the NHL's free agency period unfolds and what it might mean for homegrown talent.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Stuart Skinner is heading to Winnipeg as the carousel of goaltenders moving around the NHL picked up steam Wednesday with the start of free agency. Skinner agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million with the Jets, who have been listening to trade offers for three-time Vezina Trophy...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JOHN WAWROW and STEPHEN WHYNO, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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