While the Edmonton Oilers aren’t in desperation mode, yet. Still, the organization is seeking answers in the goaltending department ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. After consecutive defeats in the Stanley Cup Final, Connor McDavid and company would appreciate some more help in goal. On that note, an insider suggested targeting one of Sidney Crosby’s teammates on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It might be for the best for both parties. Edmonton’s tandem is currently formed by Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The two occasionally put on a clinic and lead the Oilers to victory. But their inconsistency has been a backbreaker way too often, as well. It might be time to shake things up.
McDavid and the Oilers head into the 2025–26 NHL campaign with the same end goal as always. It’s the same as last season, and the one before that. Ultimately, the mission in Edmonton has remained unchanged for more than 30 years: to hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1990. It’s a tall order, obviously — but one McDavid and company knew they were signing up for when they inked their contracts in Canada’s Oil Capital.
The scenery is starkly different in Pittsburgh, where Crosby’s future is in doubt amid rampant speculation. The Penguins are looking more and more like a lottery team with each passing minute, and a trade with the Oilers could start to reshape their roster for the upcoming season. Who might part ways? Goaltender Tristan Jarry — or so one insider believes would be for the best.
Tristan Jarry #35 of the Pittsburgh Penguins tends net against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on February 29, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.
“I don’t how Bowman’s gonna do this; I’ve wondered about someone like Tristan Jarry,” insider Jeff Marek said about the Oilers’ goalie search, via Inside Sports. “It would certainly take some retention on the Pittsburgh side of things.”
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NHL News: Penguins have reportedly taken a final stance on Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust amid Sidney Crosby trade rumors
Up and down
Jarry, the former 44th overall selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, has had a rollercoaster career in Pittsburgh. After a strong performance in the 2021–22 season, the 30-year-old netminder has been unable to replicate that success, and his time in the Steel City has been turbulent, to say the least.
This past campaign hasn’t been smooth sailing, whatsoever. Amid concerning outings, Jarry was temporarily moved down to the AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The goaltender is now entering the third season of his five-year, $26.88M deal with Crosby’s Penguins.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skate during the Great Clips NHL Breakaway Challenge event during the 2023 NHL All-Star Skills Competition at FLA Live Arena on February 03, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.
Risky business
Trading for Jarry would be a risky move from the Oilers, as the two-time All Star is not the consistent, reliable option he once was. Perhaps he finds his groove in Alberta, but it’s a coin toss. And in a market as eager for success as the ‘City of Champions’, such a wager could have big consequences if things head south.
SurveyIf Edmonton traded for Jarry, who would you rather the Oilers keep on their current tandem?
If Edmonton traded for Jarry, who would you rather the Oilers keep on their current tandem?
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One thing remains clear, however: McDavid and the Oilers aren’t entering the season as the same team that walked out crestfallen after their Game 6 defeat in the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise. For better or worse, things will change. So there’s only one question left to ask in Edmonton: is it October yet?
