The Edmonton Oilers turned heads on Friday with a big move in net, bringing in Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins. To get the deal done, Edmonton parted with starting goalie Stuart Skinner. Also, with defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick, while also adding forward Samuel Poulin to the mix.
In the wake of the blockbuster trade, an NHL insider suggested that the Oilers may still have more changes in store as the season unfolds.
Oilers Have More Moves Coming Following Tristan Jarry Trade
Up to this point in the season, the Oilers have completed just two trades. Before the goalie swap, Edmonton acquired defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Predators in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick.
Speaking on “The Sheet with Jeff Marek”, NHL insider David Pagnotta said the Oilers are still looking to add pieces.
Pagnotta explained, “I think they’re going to explore by the way, I think they’re going to explore adding later on in the season. I think it’s from a defensive perspective, whether it’s the blue line or in their bottom six, somebody more responsible in those in that in either of those roles.”
The Oilers are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Canadiens on Sunday and currently sit fourth in the Pacific Division, having had an up-and-down start to the year. Given that they’ve reached the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back seasons only to fall short against the Panthers both times, Edmonton is expected to explore every option to strengthen its playoff push.
Pagnotta added that the financial side of the Jarry trade is nearly a wash, which leaves the Oilers’ flexibility to pursue additional moves later on.
He also noted that the team believes Jarry’s struggles over the past year and a half were mainly due to the lack of support in front of him, rather than his own play. From Edmonton’s perspective, “how he’s performing now, playing well in high danger situations and being able to bail out his team. It’s not just the numbers that are, you know, window dressing this. This is legit.” Pagnotta explained.
The Oilers feel that placing Jarry behind a stronger lineup will only elevate his game and, in turn, improve the team as a whole.
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For now, all eyes are on what the Edmonton Oilers do next, as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on the road Tuesday night.
