The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant move to address their goaltending concerns, acquiring Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade that sent Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick the other way. The deal, finalized Friday, marks a pivotal moment for both teams, with the Oilers hoping Jarry can provide the stability they've lacked in net and the Penguins embarking on a new chapter without their long-time netminder.
The move comes after the Oilers' consecutive losses in the Stanley Cup Finals, where inconsistent goaltending was a glaring issue. Skinner, despite showing flashes of brilliance, struggled to consistently perform at the level required to win a championship. Jarry, 30, is in the midst of a productive season, posting a 9-3-1 record with a .909 save percentage and one shutout in 14 games. He has a 2.66 goals-against average, and a .934 save percentage in victories. The Oilers are betting that Jarry's resurgent play will translate into greater stability in the net. Jarry is signed through the 2027-28 season with a $5.375 million cap hit.
However, the acquisition of Jarry is not without its skeptics. Penguins insider Josh Yohe raised concerns about Jarry's performance in high-pressure situations, stating that the Oilers, "coveted one of the worst big-game goalies I've ever seen". Jason Gregor, another insider, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Jarry's top-ten talent but noting his tendency to "wilt" in big moments and underperform in the playoffs. Jarry has a career playoff record of 2-6, with a 3.00 goals against average and a .891 save percentage. His shaky play in the 2021 playoffs against the New York Islanders was a factor in the Penguins' series loss.
Despite these concerns, the Oilers are banking on Jarry's overall talent and experience to provide a boost in net. General Manager Kyle Dubas said Jarry is extremely talented and it will be a great opportunity for him in Edmonton. Jarry is familiar with the Edmonton area, having played junior hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings.
In addition to Jarry, the Oilers also acquired forward Sam Poulin in the trade. Poulin, a former first-round pick, has struggled to establish himself in the NHL but has shown promise in the AHL.
For the Penguins, the trade signals a shift in their goaltending strategy. Skinner, who joins the Penguins, gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh. Kulak, known for his defensive abilities, also joins the Penguins.
The Oilers will see Jarry face his former team for the first time on December 16 at PPG Paints Arena, with a rematch scheduled for January 22 at Rogers Place. This trade marks a major gamble for the Oilers, aiming to stabilize a position that has cost them in recent playoff runs, while Pittsburgh moves forward with a new approach in net.
