Jarry-to-Oilers Rumors Never Added Up — At Least Not Right Now

The Tristan Jarry–to–Edmonton trade rumor spun itself into a frenzy Friday night after a questionable social media account reported the Oilers had acquired the Penguins’ starter. They noted that Pittsburgh was retaining 50% of his salary, and they were working to clarify if the final details of the trade, which never came.

In the meantime, the post spread like wildfire, racking up hundreds of thousands of views and convincing some fans that a deal was imminent. Despite the comments blasting the account for engagement farming, the rumors grew and grew. By Saturday morning, a more reputable source felt the need to quiet things down.

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TSN’s Ryan Rishaug quickly shot down the report, stating there were “no goaltending deals done for the Oilers despite some wild speculation.” Sources in both Edmonton and Pittsburgh echoed the same: nothing was close, and the belief is that if there had been conversations between the two teams, they didn’t go very far.

The Timing Of The Report Was Suspicious, To Say The Least

The reality? Even if the Oilers are looking at goaltending options or upgrades (which they might be), pulling the trigger on something during this five-game homestand makes little sense.

First, it would take the Penguins feeling panicked to make a move, which they aren’t. Second, it would take the Oilers feeling like the sky is falling between the crease, which they don’t. Things might change for both teams in the coming weeks, but to report a deal was done seems to have no validity to it.

There is much to figure out if this trade has any legs. Edmonton lacks the cap space to absorb Jarry’s $5.375 million hit — even with retention. Any deal would have required the Oilers to move out real money, possibly Brett Kulak, Adam Henrique, or even sending Stuart Skinner back the other direction.

The account that reported the trade didn’t mention any of that, which should have been a red flag from the get-go. The math didn’t work without multiple moving parts, and several more reputable sources have repeatedly pointed out that Edmonton is reluctant to take on a goalie with a notable injury history.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period noted this past week: ““The indications I got was there were some discussions, but honestly, I don’t think it got anywhere other than the inquiry phase, maybe a level above.” He added, “I don’t see a scenario where anything’s going to happen with the goaltending from an impactful perspective anytime soon.”

Pagnotta might not have all the details, but if his sources were accurate, did something suddenly change from Edmonton’s perspective? Likely not.

The Penguins Aren’t Dumping Jarry For Nothing

And Jarry’s value is as high as it’s been for a good year. That means the Oilers are paying a premium when that’s not ideal. Furthermore, the Penguins’ own PR team highlighted his strong season — a 9–2 record, .913 save percentage, and impressive numbers vs. playoff teams. That doesn’t look like a franchise eager to dump its starter for the sake of it. The Penguins remain in the Wild Card race in the Eastern Conference. Why move the goalie who has been playing well?

At the same time, the Oilers’ goaltending has stabilized a bit over the horrid numbers that came with the start of the 2025-26 season. Pickard’s numbers need improvement, but Edmonton has won two of its last three, outscoring Seattle 13–4 in a pair of dominant wins while getting a combined .939 save percentage from their tandem. Stuart Skinner has specifically been much better, and the feeling is that, as the Oilers’ team defense improves, so will he.

Most of the hysteria stemmed from a harmless post-game hug between Skinner and Pickard. How that snowball into a trade narrative shows the fragility of the Oilers fan base and how high the stakes are. Still, both goalies practiced Friday and will dress Saturday, with Skinner starting.

Next: NHL Weekend Rumors: Hughes Watch, Jarry to Oilers, Sellers Getting Ready