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The Edmonton Oilers are expected to overhaul their goaltending this NHL offseason, but moving Tristan Jarry may not be part of the solution.
Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks, general manager Stan Bowman acknowledged that Edmonton must improve between the pipes.
“You’re right, we only have one goalie signed,” Bowman said. “We have to evaluate that… we’re looking for improvement in that area for sure.”
MORE: Oilers’ Darnell Nurse, Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly still hold value
That evaluation comes after a season in which the Oilers received inconsistent goaltending despite acquiring Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins in December.
Jarry struggled after arriving in Edmonton, posting a 3.86 goals-against average and an .857 save percentage in 19 games. He eventually lost playing time and appeared in just one playoff game.
While running a Jarry-Connor Ingram tandem late in the season, the Oilers finished the regular season with a save percentage of .883, allowing a 2.23 goals-against average. In the playoffs, they had an .880 save percentage with a GAA of 4.33.
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) stands in goal at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
While many fans have speculated about a trade or buyout, NHL insider David Pagnotta believes Edmonton may simply keep Jarry and look elsewhere for help.
“I think they’re stuck with Jarry,” Pagnotta said on Oilers Nation Everyday. “You send him down to the AHL, and you free up a little extra money. That’s basically it. Buying him out doesn’t make sense. I mean, sure, they could, but I don’t know why you would.”
MORE: Ex-Oilers star Evander Kane’s free-agent stock slipping ahead of NHL free agency
With two years remaining on Jarry’s contract, Edmonton may have little incentive to create additional dead money.
“If you save double the amount of money by sending him down to the A than you do by buying him out for next season, you send him down,” Pagnotta added.
That approach has logic. The Oilers already carry buyout charges from Jack Campbell’s contract. Adding another long-term penalty would further complicate efforts to maximize Connor McDavid‘s championship window.
Edmonton could pursue an external upgrade. Pagnotta mentioned several possibilities, including Jordan Binnington and Sergei Bobrovsky, depending on how the market develops.
“You go get a guy like Binnington or go sign Bob or something, Pagnotta said. “There are other goalies out there. I don’t think Adin Hill will be a fit for a variety of Vegas-related reasons. You can fish in other markets and see who’s available, like Elvis Merzļikins, although I don’t know if I’d go there.
“But a lot of the goalie market is being held up to a degree.”
The larger issue is that Edmonton cannot enter next season relying on the same formula. The team ranked among the NHL’s weaker teams in goals against and received inconsistent play from every goaltender on the roster.
Jarry’s contract may limit Edmonton’s options, but it does not eliminate them. The Oilers still appear committed to finding answers in net, even if Jarry remains part of the picture.
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Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks, general manager Stan Bowman acknowledged that Edmonton must improve between the pipes.
“You’re right, we only have one goalie signed,” Bowman said. “We have to evaluate that… we’re looking for improvement in that area for sure.”
MORE: Oilers’ Darnell Nurse, Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly still hold value
That evaluation comes after a season in which the Oilers received inconsistent goaltending despite acquiring Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins in December.
Jarry struggled after arriving in Edmonton, posting a 3.86 goals-against average and an .857 save percentage in 19 games. He eventually lost playing time and appeared in just one playoff game.
While running a Jarry-Connor Ingram tandem late in the season, the Oilers finished the regular season with a save percentage of .883, allowing a 2.23 goals-against average. In the playoffs, they had an .880 save percentage with a GAA of 4.33.
The Oilers likely have only one option with Tristan Jarry
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Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) stands in goal at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
While many fans have speculated about a trade or buyout, NHL insider David Pagnotta believes Edmonton may simply keep Jarry and look elsewhere for help.
“I think they’re stuck with Jarry,” Pagnotta said on Oilers Nation Everyday. “You send him down to the AHL, and you free up a little extra money. That’s basically it. Buying him out doesn’t make sense. I mean, sure, they could, but I don’t know why you would.”
MORE: Ex-Oilers star Evander Kane’s free-agent stock slipping ahead of NHL free agency
With two years remaining on Jarry’s contract, Edmonton may have little incentive to create additional dead money.
“If you save double the amount of money by sending him down to the A than you do by buying him out for next season, you send him down,” Pagnotta added.
That approach has logic. The Oilers already carry buyout charges from Jack Campbell’s contract. Adding another long-term penalty would further complicate efforts to maximize Connor McDavid‘s championship window.
What are the options for the Oilers?
Edmonton could pursue an external upgrade. Pagnotta mentioned several possibilities, including Jordan Binnington and Sergei Bobrovsky, depending on how the market develops.
“You go get a guy like Binnington or go sign Bob or something, Pagnotta said. “There are other goalies out there. I don’t think Adin Hill will be a fit for a variety of Vegas-related reasons. You can fish in other markets and see who’s available, like Elvis Merzļikins, although I don’t know if I’d go there.
“But a lot of the goalie market is being held up to a degree.”
The larger issue is that Edmonton cannot enter next season relying on the same formula. The team ranked among the NHL’s weaker teams in goals against and received inconsistent play from every goaltender on the roster.
Jarry’s contract may limit Edmonton’s options, but it does not eliminate them. The Oilers still appear committed to finding answers in net, even if Jarry remains part of the picture.
Continue reading...
