The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly looking to add a goaltender to share duties with Stuart Skinner following their postseason struggles in net.
The free agent market didn’t offer many elite options, and Edmonton also missed out on John Gibson, who was traded to the Detroit Red Wings. Now, NHL insider Jeff Marek of DailyFaceoff has connected the Oilers to a potential trade for Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry.
“With Pittsburgh acquiring Calder Cup MVP Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks and Joel Blomqvist expected to take on a bigger role next season, it raises questions about Tristan Jarry’s future — and what it might cost the Penguins to move him. Could the Oilers be a landing spot?” Marek wrote.
As Marek points out, the Penguins might opt to move forward with Blomqvist and Silovs as their goalie tandem next season, which could open the door for a Tristan Jarry trade. Jarry still has three years remaining on the five-year, \$26.75 million contract he signed.
If Pittsburgh does decide to trade him, they’d likely need to retain part of his salary to make the deal more financially viable for a team like the Oilers.
Jarry posted a 16-12-6 record with a 3.12 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage. While he’s had his ups and downs, Jarry is capable of being one of the league’s better goaltenders when he’s at his best.
Oilers GM Open to Adding a Goalie
While both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard are under contract for next season, the Oilers haven’t closed the door on bringing in another goaltender.
Following back-to-back losses in the Stanley Cup Final, general manager Stan Bowman indicated the team is still evaluating its goalie situation.
“Evaluating the position isn’t something you do once and move on,” Bowman said. “It involves assessing not only the goalies we have, but also exploring what other options are available. It’s a process we’re going to work through — we’re not rushing into a decision. We’ll gather the necessary information and eventually make the move that we believe is best.”
Bowman added that part of the evaluation includes assessing the current goalies on the roster, and sticking with the existing group remains a real possibility.
“We’re not at the stage where we’ve decided to bring in new goaltenders,” he said.
If the Oilers do decide to make a move, it will most likely be through a trade, as most of the top goaltending options in free agency have already signed elsewhere.
Penguins Acquire Silovs, Could Make Jarry Expendable
The Penguins made a move on July 13, acquiring goaltender Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks.
Silovs played a key role in leading Vancouver’s AHL affiliate to a Calder Cup title but was set to require waivers next season, prompting the Canucks to move him.
“We’re grateful to Arturs for all he’s contributed to the organization, including helping Abbotsford capture the Calder Cup,” said Canucks GM Patrik Allvin. “This trade gives him a fresh opportunity, and we feel confident in our goaltending depth at all levels. Adding a future draft pick and a depth forward also strengthens our organization.”
Silovs is set to begin the final season of his two-year, \$1.7 million contract.
