Oilers’ Stuart Skinner improving, but has not resumed skating

The Edmonton Oilers will be without their No. 1 netminder as they travel through California.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters on Thursday that Stuart Skinner will not travel with the team and has not yet resumed skating as he recovers from a concussion.

He was injured in a March 26 game against the Dallas Stars, when Stars forward Mikko Rantanen struck Skinner in the head with his knee. Skinner was replaced in that game by Calvin Pickard and was listed as day-to-day shortly after.

“He’s doing well,” Knoblauch told reporters. “He has not skated yet but he’s doing well, and we’ll be picking up on workouts and being on the ice soon.”

Pickard has taken over starting duties in Skinner’s absence, with rookie netminder Olivier Rodrigue serving as backup.

In 49 games this season, Skinner has posted a 2.91 goals-against average and .894 save percentage.

Knoblauch also told reporters that injured Mattias Ekholm will not play this road trip either. The defenceman has not played since March 29 with an undisclosed injury, but Sportsnet’s Mark Spector reported Saturday that his ailment should clear come playoff time.

The Oilers take on the Sharks in San Jose at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT. Watch all the action on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet+.