Rangers Must Target Penguins Goalie Skinner If Quick Retires

The New York Rangers could look to sign Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner as a backup to Igor Shesterkin if Jonathan Quick retires.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:48am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender in motion, with sharp planes of color and form representing the quick reflexes and split-second decisions required to excel in the sport.A cubist interpretation of a hockey goaltender's split-second movements captures the chaotic energy and split-second decision-making required to excel in the NHL.Today in Pittsburgh

The New York Rangers may need to find a new backup goaltender if Jonathan Quick retires at the end of the current NHL season. One potential target could be Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Stuart Skinner, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Skinner has put together a solid season in Pittsburgh and could be an ideal fit to pair with Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin.

Why it matters

The Rangers' season took a turn for the worse when Shesterkin went down with an injury earlier this year, and Quick was unable to hold down the starting role. Signing Skinner as a reliable backup could provide the team with more stability in net if Shesterkin were to miss time again.

The details

Skinner, 27, was traded to the Penguins from the Edmonton Oilers earlier this season. He has been a key member of Pittsburgh's squad, though he hasn't been spectacular. Skinner is set to become a UFA, and the Rangers could look to sign him to a short-term, team-friendly deal to serve as Shesterkin's backup. While Shesterkin would remain the clear-cut starter, Skinner could provide valuable depth and insurance in net for the Rangers.

  • Jonathan Quick signed a one-year deal ahead of this NHL season.
  • Quick has not openly hinted about retiring, but there's a chance he may hang up his skates at the end of the current campaign.

The players

Jonathan Quick

A 40-year-old goaltender who signed a one-year deal with the Rangers ahead of this season and may retire at the end of the current campaign.

Igor Shesterkin

The Rangers' starting goaltender and one of the top netminders in the NHL.

Stuart Skinner

A 27-year-old goaltender who was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

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What’s next

The Rangers will need to evaluate Jonathan Quick's future and determine if they need to sign a new backup goaltender. If Quick retires, the team could look to sign Stuart Skinner to a short-term deal to serve as Igor Shesterkin's backup.

The takeaway

Signing Stuart Skinner as a reliable backup goaltender could provide the Rangers with valuable insurance and depth in net, especially if Jonathan Quick decides to retire at the end of the season. Skinner's experience and solid play this year in Pittsburgh make him an intriguing target for the Rangers to consider.