There is also something else Skinner brings with him to Winnipeg that can get lost when a player changes teams: experience.
The 27-year-old has already played 53 playoff games over the past four seasons, including two trips to the Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers.
He's been through the pressure of playoff hockey. He's played deep into the spring. He's experienced both the highs and the scrutiny that come with being an NHL goaltender in a Canadian market.
And now he's looking at Winnipeg as another great opportunity for more playoff success.
“Obviously last year they weren’t able to make playoffs, but at the same time look at the teams they were playing against. Obviously, the conference is so strong. There’s a lot of things that go into it,” said Skinner.
“In my opinion I think this team has what it takes to win. It’s just a matter of being able to go through that for the whole year, playing at a consistent level and sticking together through everything.”
Mario Ferraro has played against Skinner a lot during his time with the San Jose Sharks and when Skinner was in Edmonton. His assessment of the new Jets goaltender offers a glimpse at why Winnipeg believes it has added more than simply another name to its crease.
“I love guys that compete. That’s part of my identity: compete and taking pride in the D zone and I look forward to hopefully…. it always feels good to hear praise from your teammates and I look forward to doing what I can to help keep the puck out of the net and block shots and do that kind of thing and hear some praise from him,” said Ferraro.
“That’s a goal. So, he's obviously a competitor and I look up to guys like that because it is something I like to take pride in.”
Skinner is also particularly excited about beginning his relationship with Jets goalie coach Wade Flaherty, someone he has admired from afar for years.
“I’ve heard so many good things about him ever since I’ve gotten into starting my career and obviously, playing Winnipeg a few times, being able to cross paths here and there. So, I always wanted to ask him for advice so finally, I’ll actually get to get some advice from him,” said Skinner.
“So, I’m very fortunate, very lucky to be working with someone like him.”
And after only a short time together, Skinner already believes they've established something important.
“With me and Flats I have all the trust in the world in him,” he said. “I think he’s an amazing guy, he’s very calm and has incredible intelligence.”
For Skinner, the transition to Winnipeg is still in its early stages.
The names aren't all memorized yet.
The routine isn't completely established.
But the hockey part is already starting to feel familiar.
