The Edmonton Oilers' search for stability in net has intensified, with Pittsburgh Penguins' Tristan Jarry emerging as a potential target to solve their goaltending woes. The Oilers' current tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have struggled, leading to a combined save percentage of .860, the worst in the NHL. This poor performance has prompted speculation and urgency within the organization to acquire a more reliable goaltender.
TSN analyst Marc Denis suggests that the Oilers' "dream target" should be Nashville Predators' Juuse Saros, a three-time All-Star. However, acquiring Saros would likely be a significant challenge, considering he just began an eight-year, $61.92 million extension with the Predators in 2024. Despite his established reputation, Saros has also faced struggles this season, posting a 6-9-3 record with a 3.08 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage in 18 starts. Denis believes that if Saros were available, Edmonton should "do everything in [their] power" to acquire him.
Amidst the speculation surrounding Saros, insider Kevin Weekes reported that the Oilers have shown "significant interest" in Penguins' Tristan Jarry. The 30-year-old Jarry, a two-time All-Star, has a connection to Edmonton, having played junior hockey for the Oil Kings. Jarry carries a $5.75 million annual average value with a modified no-trade clause. He is currently in the third season of a five-year, $26.875 million extension he signed with the Penguins in 2023.
Jarry's recent performance has been solid, with a 6-2-0 record, a 2.53 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage in the current season. However, he has also faced inconsistency and injury issues throughout his career. Some analysts, like TSN's Jeff O'Neill, are skeptical about Jarry being a significant upgrade for the Oilers.
The Penguins have a crowded crease with Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov also in the system, making Jarry a potential trade candidate. To acquire Jarry, the Oilers would likely need to offer a compelling package, potentially including Skinner or Pickard.
Other goaltenders who have been linked to the Oilers include St. Louis Blues' Jordan Binnington, New York Rangers' Jonathan Quick, and Toronto Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz. However, the focus seems to have shifted towards Jarry as a primary target.
The Oilers' urgency to address their goaltending situation is further amplified by their position outside of a playoff spot. General Manager Stan Bowman is reportedly giving the current goaltending tandem until Christmas to improve before making a significant move. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet suggested that trading Skinner might benefit both the team and the player.
