The other day I was manning the front desk at Wright’s Gym when one of our members, who happens to be a big Penguins fan, stopped by to chew the hockey fat.
We both noted how well goalie Tristan Jarry’s been playing, especially since his recent return from IR.
The member began to depart, then turned and asked the question.
“So do you trade Jarry or keep him?”
My answer? About as rambling and convoluted as you can get.
After initially responding that I’d like to keep him, I conceded this would be the perfect time to trade the two-time All-Star, given how well he’s playing. Especially since at least one team, the Oilers, are rumored to have strong interest in acquiring his services.
Buy low, sell high.
However, there’s a team issue going on here as well. The Pens are 9-2-1 with Jarry stationed between the pipes, including a recent 4-0-1 run, and a pedestrian 5-5-5 with everyone else tending the twine.
If Jarry continues to perform reasonably close to his current form (.913 save percentage, a sterling .750 quality starts percentage), the Pens have a real chance to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2022. Which sure wouldn’t dampen the spirits of an ultra-competitor like Sidney Crosby, not to mention the faithful fanbase.
Can’t dismiss what a round or two of playoff revenues might mean, even to a financial giant like FSG.
Trade him? It muddies the waters considerably.
That’s not meant as a knock on our other goalies. Sergei Murashov, who already has a shutout among his three NHL starts, has future star written all over him. PP colleague Other Rick is just as high on Joel Blomqvist and claims the former AHL All-Star’s the most technically sound of all our netminders. While Arturs Silovs has experienced struggles of late, he’s also shown flashes and certainly can’t be dismissed.
Still, it’s doubtful if any are quite ready to step in and fill the void should Jarry be dealt.
A conundrum if there ever was one.
Mark Madden of the Trib made perhaps the most salient argument for trading Jarry. He wrote, “Jarry has two seasons left after this one on a contract paying $5.375 million annually. Even if he’s performing well now, you won’t want him then. That will be Sergei Murashov’s time.”
As for the man whose opinion might matter most of all? According to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, POHO/GM Kyle Dubas would not be willing to retain salary as part of any potential trade. Which would seem to toss a huge bucket of ice water on a deal getting done with the cap-strapped Oilers.
In the meantime, until a legit trade opportunity arises, the Pens and coach Dan Muse appear to be more than happy to ride their resurgent ace in goal.