The Pittsburgh Penguins appear to be running out of patience with goaltender Tristan Jarry after a difficult start to the season. Jarry, who has struggled to find his form in net, could soon find himself on waivers as the Penguins explore their options to bring more stability to their crease.
Through the first seven games of the season, Pittsburgh holds a 3-4-0 record, with Jarry’s inconsistent performances being one of the team’s primary concerns. In his three appearances this season, Jarry has allowed 12 goals on just 73 shots, resulting in a concerning 5.47 goals-against average (GAA) and a save percentage of .836. Those numbers have raised doubts about Jarry’s viability as the Penguins’ long-term solution in goal, after two solid seasons where he posted a save percentage above .900 and a GAA under 3.00.
In goal tonight: Alex Nedeljkovic
Backing up: Joel Blomqvist pic.twitter.com/yjbuslrli4— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 22, 2024
In a significant move, the Penguins have named Alex Nedeljkovic as their starting goalie ahead of a critical game against the Calgary Flames. Nedeljkovic, who recently returned from injury, appears to have gained the team’s confidence following a solid debut outing. Backing up Nedeljkovic is 22-year-old Joel Blomqvist, further signaling that the Penguins might be ready to explore alternatives in net. Though this shift doesn’t officially mark the end of Jarry’s time in Pittsburgh, it clearly shows the organization is weighing its options.
Tristan Jarry is a healthy scratch tonight for #LetsGoPens for the 2nd game in a row.
His last appearance was on Oct. 16 vs BUF, where he allowed 3 goals on 5 shots in just 11:33 TOI.
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) October 22, 2024
With the Penguins needing more consistency to remain playoff contenders, the possibility of waiving or trading Jarry has reportedly been discussed. However, his contract could complicate any potential move. Jarry is signed through the 2027-28 season with a significant cap hit of $5.375 million, making a trade or waiver claim unlikely unless another team is willing to take on the risk. Despite his struggles, some analysts, including Kevin Weekes, believe Jarry still possesses the talent to bounce back, which could keep him in the mix if the Penguins’ current goaltending setup falters.
Was Tristan Jarry's play a problem, yes.
Was it the problem, no.
The Pens allowed 9, non-empty net goals in consecutive losses with Blomqvist and Nedeljkovic in net. Team defense should be the main focus with Calgary up next tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/Pv8W1ZpQTG— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) October 21, 2024
For now, all eyes are on Nedeljkovic to see if he can provide the stability Pittsburgh needs, while Jarry’s future with the Penguins remains very much up in the air.
