It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re only a few weeks into the season, but the hot stove is always cooking. We’ve seen some young players emerge and challenge established veterans. This means some of these older players on big contracts could be on the block. We focus on the Pittsburgh Penguins in this round of NHL rumours.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Pittsburgh Penguins Goalie Could Be on the Move
Rumour: On the latest edition of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that the Penguins have been in trade talks with other teams about goalie Tristan Jarry.
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— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 21, 2024
Analysis: There was plenty of chatter that Jarry was out the door at the end of the 2022-23 season. However, he then signed a deal for five years and over $5.3 million. It seemed that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas’ faith in the 29-year-old was rewarded.
The Surrey, British Columbia native recorded six shutouts, but there’s been an air of inconsistency about his game. Jarry has struggled this season with a 1-1 record with a 5.47 goals-against-average and .836 save percentage. Pittsburgh’s goalie has been up-and-down plenty of times in his career.
There’s also been plenty of injury-troubles for Jarry in his career. He’s had some good seasons, but the Penguins would love to see more consistency according to Friedman.
Trade Talks Aren’t New
Friemdan also mentions that the Penguins were trying to move Jarry as far back as a couple seasons ago. However, it was hinted at that the Pittsburgh front office were considering moving him during last season’s strong campaign.
The insider also mentioned that it seemed like they wanted Jarry to fight for his position. It looked like head coach Mike Sullivan wanted to make sure the veteran goalie earned the number one starter job.
The spectre of Alex Nedeljkovic looming as a potential starter was also there as a motivator. He had played well at times for the Penguins last season.
A Crowded Crease
Rookie Joel Blomqvist was given the start against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a key early-season game. Many thought the experienced Jarry would get the call, but Sullivan went with the rookie.
Jarry was scratched for Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets as Nedeljkovic made his return from injury. Most teams don’t carry three goalies or that arrangement doesn’t last long if it does happen.
Nedeljkovic’s first start didn’t go well, but it seems that he’ll earn some playing time in the rotation. Blomqvist has seemingly earned chances at key games with starts against Toronto and the Carolina Hurricanes.
Trade talks surrounding Jarry could heat up if the team decides to keep Blomqvist on the roster. However, the rookie is waiver exempt and can go between Pittsburgh and AHL Wilkes Barre-Scranton without being exposed.
There are plenty of teams that could use goaltending help and Jarry could draw some interest. However, he’ll have to get his game back up to standards first if a deal is even entertained.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
