Tristan Jarry is the Pittsburgh Penguins’ number one goalie, but do they have enough confidence in Alex Nedeljkovic to no longer need Jarry?
The Pittsburgh Penguins drafted Tristan Jarry in the second round (44th overall) at the 2013 Entry Draft. He debuted in 2016 and didn’t play more than 20 games until 2017-18, only to be thrust into a more prominent role during the 2019-20 season.
During his time as the Penguins’ main guy, Jarry has secured the eighth most wins (102) in the seventh most games played (195). However, his goals-against average, 2.72 (19th), and save percentage, .911 (14th), fall further down the rankings among goalies with at least 100 appearances.
On the surface, Jarry is a top-10 NHL goalie who played in two All-Star Games but has never finished higher than seventh in Vezina Trophy voting.
Yet, Jarry faltered when the Penguins gave him an expensive extension and made him the undisputed starter. He had his first losing season (19-25-5) and sat on the bench while Alex Nedeljkovic played almost every game down the stretch to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.
GM Kyle Dubas has brought Nedeljkovic back on a two-year deal worth $2.5 million, which immediately led to rumors that Jarry was available.
Heading into the off-season, many teams, including the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators, were looking for a number one goalie. Both teams went out and found themselves elite goalies, and as far as the rumors about Jarry are concerned, there’s no proof any of the other 31 teams called about the 29-year-old.
Considering his modified no-trade clause, moving him and his $5.3 million salary will be quite a burden.
However, heading into the new season, Jarry must prove himself now that he knows what Nedeljkovic is capable of. He can’t afford another bad season because another poor performance will only result in more rumors.
Whether those rumors involve a trade, demotion, or a buyout, the upcoming 2024-25 season will be critical for Jarry’s future in Pittsburgh. Some young goalies within the Penguins system will be primed for a spot in the NHL before Jarry’s contract expires in 2028.
Will he still be the team’s number one, or will he be dressing elsewhere? Ultimately, these questions will have answers in the coming months as players report to training camp and the regular season begins.
Like head coach Mike Sullivan, Jarry’s lease will only be as long as he finds success. If he stumbles out of the gate, things will change, and his future will no longer be guaranteed. It’s up to him to decide whether to stay or go.
