Amazing How Quickly the Jarry Trade Narrative Has Flipped for Oilers

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It’s amazing how quickly the Tristan Jarry trade narrative has flipped for the Edmonton Oilers. Not long ago, the goalie was seen as a contract the team would have to move but probably couldn’t give away. Now he’s making the case that he should be the starter and that if the Oilers were offered the option to trade him, they’d need to think twice.

After a rough season-opening outing against Vancouver, Jarry has rattled off three strong starts in a row, including back-to-back shutouts. He has stopped 73 of the last 76 shots he’s faced. Needless to say, since being forced into the starting role following an injury to Devon Levi, Jarry has answered the bell.

His latest effort came in a 4-3 shootout loss to a fast New Jersey squad, where he made 31 saves and earned Edmonton a point. In large part, he was the reason Edmonton remained in that game.

His dramatically improved play has people wondering about Jarry’s market value.

Jack Nessel of Daily Faceoff Edmonton recently suggested Jarry could become a player other clubs look at. His $5.3 million cap hit isn’t ideal given his production since arriving in Edmonton, but continued strong starts could change how teams view him. What a pivot that is, given it wasn’t just a few weeks ago that analysts and fans argued the Oilers couldn’t move on from him in a salary cap dump trade and would need to attach a sweetener to move him.

What If a Team Called the Oilers About a Trade?

If Edmonton were to receive a call from another team kicking tires on a possible trade, it would be interesting to see how they’d respond. The Oilers held onto to Jarry this summer when many felt like they’d move him. Now that he’s playing well — and he’s their only legitimate NHL goalie available — it seems incredibly unlikely they’d consider a move.

Then again, selling high is always a sound strategy and missing a window to do so could be seen as a mistake.

For now, Jarry is simply helping Edmonton win games. That’s more important than anything and considering this is the second to late season his current deal, there are worse things than getting stuck with him if he play regresses.

What felt like a quick yes if a trade was available has become a no in most situations. It’s amazing how a hot run at the right time can do that.

Next: Red Wings, Sabres Blockbuster Trade Idea Won’t Solve Larkin and Edvinsson Issue