PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins recently inked a new deal with goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who emerged as the primary starter over Tristan Jarry towards the end of the 2023-24 season. With Nedeljkovic secured for another two years, speculation has swirled about Jarry’s future in Pittsburgh.
Will Jarry be traded? Are the Penguins planning to continue with a Jarry/Nedeljkovic goaltending duo? What implications does this hold for prospect Joel Blomqvist?
The first question regarding Jarry’s availability on the trade market may have been answered. According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Jarry is reportedly being made available for trade.
“If you’re in the market for a starting goalie, you’ve got [Linus] Ullmark, and you’ve got [John] Gibson, and who else is out there right now? I’ve heard Jarry’s name mentioned,” Friedman stated. “I wonder if he might be available.”
Jarry has demonstrated the ability to serve as a starting goaltender in the NHL with solid statistics over his career. Across 257 games, Jarry boasts a 136-85-25 record with a .912 save percentage. While his health has been a concern, he has also faced challenges performing in critical moments.
Over the past two seasons, the Penguins narrowly missed the playoffs on multiple occasions, with some of their most disappointing losses occurring with Jarry in net. Nedeljkovic provided a late-season spark with 13 consecutive starts, though the team ultimately fell short.
Jarry remains under contract for four more years, earning over $5 million annually. While he commands a significant salary, the Penguins could potentially receive a valuable return. His statistical performance is solid, and at under 30 years old, he offers long-term potential. The recent trade involving Jacob Markstrom, where the Calgary Flames received a first-round pick and a quality player despite Markstrom’s age and different statistics, serves as a reference point.
The Penguins face crucial decisions regarding their goaltending situation, which they must resolve soon with the NHL Draft approaching.
