The Edmonton Oilers continue searching for answers to their goaltending crisis. The franchise sits sixth in the Pacific Division with a 10-10-5 record through 25 games, and poor netminding has been a primary culprit behind their mediocre start.
One name that keeps surfacing in trade speculation is Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry. His performance on Wednesday night against the Buffalo Sabres provided a glimpse of what Edmonton desperately needs between the pipes.
Tristan Jarry Might Be the Name That Solves the Oilers’ Goalie Issues
Pittsburgh enters the season sitting fifth in the Metropolitan Division with an 11-6-5 record, largely thanks to improved goaltending compared to recent years. The Penguins’ success has made some of their assets expendable, including Jarry, who could be available if the right offer comes along.
Jarry faced the Sabres on Wednesday and delivered exactly the kind of performance that struggling teams dream about from their goaltenders. The 30-year-old stopped 29 of 31 shots in Pittsburgh’s victory, posting 2.05 goals saved above expected, according to advanced metrics.
The performance caught the attention of Oilers fans, who were monitoring potential trade targets. One observer posted their thoughts directly on social media, sending a pointed message to Edmonton supporters.
“Food for thought, #LetsGoOilers fans. Tristan Jarry against the Sabres tonight. 2.05 GSAX, 29/31 shots stopped,” they tweeted. The numbers represent a stark contrast to what Edmonton has received from its goaltending tandem this season.
Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have combined to post below-average save percentages while consistently allowing goals that advanced metrics suggest should have been stopped.
Jarry’s contract situation makes him an intriguing trade candidate for multiple reasons. He carries a $5.375 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season, which represents a manageable number for Edmonton if Pittsburgh retains salary.
The Penguins could face difficult decisions about their roster construction as they navigate the final years of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin’s careers, potentially making Jarry expendable. However, acquiring Jarry comes with significant risk.
The goaltender has battled inconsistency throughout his career despite showing flashes of elite ability. His playoff track record includes several disastrous performances that led to Pittsburgh being eliminated earlier than expected.
Those failures raised questions about whether he can perform under pressure when games matter most. The advanced metrics from Wednesday’s game tell an encouraging story.
A 2.05 goals saved above expected suggests Jarry made multiple difficult saves that average goaltenders would have missed. That ability to steal games represents exactly what Edmonton lacks currently.
Stan Bowman faces a difficult decision about whether to pursue Jarry or continue searching for alternatives. The Oilers’ championship window with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl won’t remain open forever. Every game lost due to poor goaltending represents another missed opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup.
For now, Jarry remains in Pittsburgh while Oilers fans monitor his performances closely. Wednesday’s strong showing against Buffalo provided evidence that he might possess the talent Edmonton desperately needs.
Whether management agrees and pulls the trigger on a trade remains the biggest question facing the organization.