The Edmonton Oilers may have dodged a bullet by not acquiring Jordan Binnington from the St. Louis Blues before ultimately trading for Tristan Jarry. While many, including some analysts, advocated for Binnington due to his past playoff success and Stanley Cup win, his current performance suggests the Oilers are better off with their current tandem.
Binnington's recent statistics are concerning. He holds an 8-13-6 record with a 3.59 goals-against average and a .869 save percentage. His struggles have been pronounced, with several games showcasing a save percentage below .875 and a concerning trend of allowing multiple goals on a limited number of shots. These numbers have likely eliminated any chance of him starting for Team Canada in the upcoming Olympics.
In contrast, Tristan Jarry has made a positive impact since joining the Oilers. He boasts a 4-0-1 record, a 2.58 goals-against average, and a .907 save percentage. Jarry recently recorded a shutout, contributing to the team's strong goaltending performance. Connor Ingram, called up from the AHL, has also impressed, posting a .947 save percentage in January and contributing to the team's combined 2.11 goals-against average over nine games.
Coach Kris Knoblauch expressed confidence in both Jarry and Ingram, indicating that the team has a plan for their deployment over the next week. This plan suggests a level of stability and trust in the current goaltending situation.
The Oilers' goaltending situation has been a topic of discussion for a while. Before acquiring Jarry, Stuart Skinner faced criticism and pressure. Skinner was eventually traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since joining the Penguins, Skinner has found success, which suggests that the trade provided a necessary reset for both parties.
The Oilers' decision to move on from Skinner and acquire Jarry appears to be paying dividends. The team's improved goaltending has instilled confidence and trust among the players. While Calvin Pickard remains with the team, a surplus of goalies has led to discussions about a potential trade. Pickard's positive presence in the locker room will be missed if he is traded.
The Oilers' ability to avoid acquiring Binnington and instead find success with Jarry and Ingram highlights the unpredictable nature of trades and the importance of evaluating current performance alongside past achievements. As the Oilers push towards the playoffs, their solid goaltending provides a strong foundation for success.
