Fact or Fiction?: Oilers Had Completed a Trade with Penguins’ for Tristan Jarry

The Tristan Jarry-to-Edmonton chatter refuses to die down, and this week the discussion continued thanks to new insight from Elliotte Friedman on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast. Addressing a report over the weekend that noted Jarry had been traded to the Oilers, Friedman wanted to know what was fact or fiction.

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According to Friedman, the Oilers’ interest in Jarry is very real. A post late Friday suggested a deal was done with 50% retention, which sent the internet into overdrive. That part, however, wasn’t true. What was accurate is that Edmonton spoke with the Penguins and made it known they were interested. Friedman confirmed the Oilers explored the idea of pairing Jarry with Stuart Skinner—not swapping one for the other. Edmonton believed a Jarry–Skinner tandem could legitimately elevate their goaltending, provided both stayed healthy.

That explains recent signs pointing to uncertainty around Calvin Pickard, who reportedly knew he’d likely be squeezed out if Jarry arrived.

The Penguins Won’t Retain Salary On a Jarry Trade

So why hasn’t anything happened? Simple: Pittsburgh won’t retain salary. Jarry has two more years at just under $5.4 million, and the Penguins made it clear they’re not eating any of it. For the Oilers—one of the league’s most cap-strapped teams—that’s a dealbreaker.

With injuries piling up and a roster they can barely afford to carry as-is, Edmonton can’t fit Jarry without significant subtraction. And they may not be eager to start carving out pieces just to make it work. Going out would have to be Pickard, someone like Brett Kulak, likely a forward, and then a draft pick or prospect. That’s a big ask.

In short: the Oilers like Jarry, the idea makes sense on paper, and the door isn’t slammed shut. But unless Edmonton performs major cap surgery, this one stays in the “dream scenario” category.

For now, status quo in the Oilers’ crease—though, as always, one phone call can change everything, suggested Friedman. As for the Penguins and a Jarry trade to anyone, while some fans argue Pittsburgh can’t trade Jarry because he’s playing so well, that’s exactly why his name keeps circulating. His value may never be higher—something other teams, and certainly Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, fully understand.

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