Lukas Dostal has signed a five-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks worth a total of $32.5 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million. At just 25 years old and coming off a strong stint as their starting goaltender, this deal places Dostal among the higher-paid netminders in the NHL heading into the 2025–26 season.
Dostal’s hefty AAV now sets a new benchmark in the NHL’s goaltending market. His signing not only cements his role in Anaheim’s crease but also raises questions across the league—most notably concerning Edmonton Oilers backup Stuart Skinner, who is due for an extension of his own. The Ducks’ commitment to Dostal highlights a willingness among teams to back young, ascending goaltenders with substantial long-term investments.
Skinner, currently Wilson McLellan’s understudy in Edmonton, is entering a pivotal season. His statistical profile—combining solid save percentage, reliable starts, and playoff-ready performance—has positioned him as a viable candidate for a starting role.
However, with Dostal locking down $6.5 million per season, the Oilers face a challenging valuation dilemma: should Skinner align with or exceed that AAV, especially if he continues to develop?
The ripple effect of Dostal’s deal extends beyond Edmonton. Teams across the NHL that rely on emerging goaltenders may now feel that $6 million-plus is the threshold for young starters. For Skinner, this creates both opportunity and pressure. If he can replicate or exceed Dostal’s performance metrics—that include consistency, workload, and clutch play—he will have a strong case to command similar or higher value in negotiations.
That said, Edmonton must weigh Skinner’s overall consistency and upside against Dostal’s trendsetting contract. If the Oilers view Skinner as their long-term starter, matching the new precedent may be necessary. But risk factors—such as injury history, sample size, and Edmonton’s goaltending depth—could give the team leverage to offer a more conservative package. Skinner’s camp will likely press forward using Dostal’s AAV as leverage to negotiate a deal upward of $6–7 million annually.
In sum, Dostal’s extension has recalibrated expectations for young goaltenders across the league. As Skinner approaches his contract year, he’ll be measured against Dostal’s contract—potentially shifting his market value upward. Whether Edmonton chooses to match that benchmark or structure differently could define Skinner’s financial and career trajectory heading into 2026.
