Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Goaltending was a question mark for the Pittsburgh Penguins entering this season.
Tristan Jarry lost his starter’s job to backup Alex Nedeljkovic down the stretch as they battled for a playoff berth. Four games into this season, the 30-year-old netminder shows no sign of regaining that spot.
Jarry was in the net as the Penguins were blown out 6-0 in their season opener against the New York Rangers. He bounced back on Monday with a 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens but got the hook on Thursday after giving up three goals on five shots against the Buffalo Sabres.
Rookie Joel Blomqvist has filled in for the sidelined Nedeljkovic and was solid in their 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings and their 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He replaced Jarry against the Sabres as his teammates stormed back for a 6-5 overtime victory.
On Monday, The Athletic’s Josh Yohe claimed there was open competition for the starter’s job, adding it’s anyone’s guess who’ll fill that role. He also indicated the Penguins attempted to trade Jarry this summer but couldn’t find any takers. Yohe slammed Jarry’s performance against the Sabres, calling it “unprofessional.”
The Hockey News’ Ryan Gagne believes the Penguins should ship Jarry to the Colorado Avalanche for Alexandar Georgiev. He suggests the change of scenery could help the struggling goalies regain their form and benefit both clubs.
Jarry’s inconsistent play is one reason the Penguins couldn’t drum up any interest in the off-season trade market. His contract was another stumbling block, carrying a $5.375 million annual average value through 2027-28 and a 12-team no-trade list.
It’s doubtful the Penguins would have better luck moving Jarry during this season. That raises the possibility of a contract buyout in June.
Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are off to a good start to this season with a record of 3-0-0 heading into Friday’s game with the San Jose Sharks. Nevertheless, they could be a team worth watching near the March 7, 2025, NHL trade deadline.
Chris Johnston of The Athletic was asked if he saw the Jets adding a center or a defenseman by the deadline. He replied that he wouldn’t be surprised if they bolstered their depth at center.
Johnston also felt the Jets must make a decision regarding Nikolaj Ehlers. The 28-year-old winger was the subject of trade speculation earlier this past summer, but that talk has faded.
Ehlers is in the final season of his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. So far, there’s no indication that the two sides are in extension talks.
If Ehlers remains unsigned by the trade deadline, it’s unlikely the Jets will move him if they’re holding a playoff berth. However, it could be different if they’re out of contention.
Related: NHL Power Rankings: New No. 1 – Stars, Jets And Flames Rise While Oilers And Avalanche Fall
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