The Edmonton Oilers continue desperately searching for goaltending help. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have combined to post historically bad numbers that have torpedoed the franchise’s playoff hopes.
Trade speculation has linked multiple netminders to Edmonton as management explores every possible avenue. One particular goaltender has generated significant buzz recently.
However, a prominent insider recently revealed that major obstacles exist to completing a potential deal between the two franchises.
Pittsburgh Penguins Refuse To Retain Salary in Potential Tristan Jarry Trade
Speculation has swirled about Edmonton’s interest in Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry. The 29-year-old netminder has fallen out of favor in Pittsburgh despite signing a five-year, $26.875 million contract in 2023.
However, despite his recent struggles, the veteran netminder carries some serious championship pedigree. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman addressed the situation during Saturday Headlines. The insider confirmed Edmonton’s interest but emphasized the significant complications preventing a deal.
“There’s been a lot of noise around Tristan Jarry. I do think there’s legitimate Edmonton interest in Jarry, but I think it is extremely complicated and might not be possible, mainly because Pittsburgh has indicated it will not retain,” Friedman reported.
The insider detailed Jarry’s contract situation and Pittsburgh’s firm stance. “He’s got two more years at $5.37 million, and the Penguins are not willing to retain him,” Friedman stated. The refusal to retain salary creates massive problems for Edmonton’s cap structure.
“It might not be possible because Edmonton would have to do some roster surgery to get it done, and right now, because of their own injury and cap situation, they’re really stuck,” Friedman explained.
The insider reiterated his belief that Edmonton genuinely wants Jarry. “I believe there’s interest in Jarry. I just don’t know if it’s going to be possible,” he said.
Friedman revealed an interesting wrinkle about how Edmonton would potentially use Jarry if acquired.
“One of the reasons I believe it’s possible is because I don’t think it’s a Skinner for Jarry situation. I believe the Oilers, what they would like to do if they ever could do this, would be to pair Skinner with Jarry,” the insider reported.
The revelation suggests Edmonton doesn’t view Jarry as a complete replacement for Skinner. Instead, they hope pairing the two goaltenders creates a more effective tandem than the current Skinner-Pickard combination.
However, Friedman remained skeptical about whether the math works. “Again, there’s interest, but I don’t know, and I’m not convinced it’s going to be possible,” he concluded.
Pittsburgh’s refusal to retain any of Jarry’s $5.37 million cap hit represents the deal’s death knell. Edmonton simply doesn’t have the cap flexibility to absorb that contract without moving significant salary out.
With injuries limiting their roster flexibility, executing the necessary moves to clear space seems nearly impossible. The Oilers must continue exploring other goaltending options unless Pittsburgh changes its stance on retention.
