Analyst Critical of the Oilers Trade Interest in Risky Goaltender

After another blowout loss on Tuesday night to the Dallas Stars, the Edmonton Oilers were left searching for answers, and the need for some type of change became even more evident. While everyone has to take a look in the mirror and be better, the goaltending, as always, is at the forefront in Edmonton, as both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard continue to give up far too many goals.

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The expectation has been that the Oilers will wait to make a big move in net until the offseason; however, it appears as if the urgency has ratcheted up a level, because on Wednesday, insider Kevin Weekes suggested that they’re showing significant interest in Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry.

Edmonton has been loosely connected to Jarry in recent years, though nothing was as concrete as this, and while some may view it as an upgrade at the position, TSN analyst Jeff O’Neill is very skeptical about that.

O’Neill said:

“I don’t understand the Jarry, like Jarry was in the minors not long ago. I think he would be as big a risk as Skinner would be. And I have no idea why you think you would be improving it to a degree where you might settle things down where everybody can say ok now… they’re not going to be going ‘Now we go’ if they get Tristan Jarry,”

The 30-year-old Jarry is in the third season of the five-year, $26.875 million extension he signed with the Penguins in 2023. He’s been quite strong to start the 2025-26 campaign, going 6-2-0 with a 2.53 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and one shutout.

Should the Oilers Target Tristan Jarry?

Jarry is undoubtedly a polarizing player, so it’s fair to have concerns about making such a move to acquire him.

On one hand, he is a two-time NHL All-Star and has shown the capability of being a legitimate high-end starting goalie when at the top of his game. On the other hand, he can be quite inconsistent, which includes some low lows, while having also had plenty of injury issues throughout his career.

Part of his struggles can be attributed to the Penguins team in front of him, which has not been good of late, and coincided with his numbers taking a dip. If Edmonton believes they can shore things up in front of him, then Jarry could thrive, and his upside is much higher than anything they currently have.

It’s a high-risk, high-reward play for the Oilers, but given how desperate they are to turn this season around before it’s too late, all options must be considered, and Jarry is one of them.

Next: Oilers and Blues Connected in Potential Blockbuster Deal