Edmonton, AB – In a surprising turn of events, newly acquired Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry has made a candid admission regarding his recent trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The trade, which sent shockwaves through the hockey world on Friday, December 12, 2025, saw Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin heading to Edmonton in exchange for goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick.
Just days after the trade, and following a 6-3 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs where Jarry made 25 saves in his Oilers debut, the 30-year-old netminder spoke to reporters about the whirlwind of emotions and the unusual circumstances surrounding his move.
"It's all a bit crazy, to be honest," Jarry admitted during a media scrum at the Oilers' hotel. "I've never been a part of anything like this. Going from one team to the next and playing the next day, there are a lot of emotions. Putting on a different jersey for the first time was a little weird, but I'm obviously very excited".
The surprising admission came when Jarry discussed his reaction to the trade rumors that had been swirling around him. "I knew my name was out there, but I didn't really pay much attention to it," Jarry confessed. "I was focused on my game in Pittsburgh and trying to help the team win. But obviously, when I did get the call, it became very real".
Jarry, who is in the third season of a five-year, $26.875 million contract, acknowledged the unusual situation of facing his former team so soon after the trade. The Oilers are set to play the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. "It's going to be very weird," Jarry said. "It's going to be a whole new setting". He also stated, "That's all I wanted to do, was win in Pittsburgh, and I hope I was perceived that way". He expressed hope for a warm welcome in his return to Pittsburgh. "You never know. I hope in a good way," Jarry told NHL.com.
The trade comes after a challenging 2024-25 season for Jarry, which included a stint in the AHL and being placed on waivers. However, he had been having a resurgent season with the Penguins prior to the trade, posting a 9-3-1 record with a 2.66 GAA and a .909 save percentage.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid expressed excitement about the addition of Jarry and Spencer Stastney. "Sad day to see those two guys go, two guys that have been great for us for a long time," said McDavid, referring to Skinner and Kulak. "Excited to bring in [Jarry] and Spencer, two guys that played well this year".
The Oilers, who have reached the Stanley Cup Final in the past two seasons, are hoping that Jarry can provide stability in net and help them achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. Some believe that Jarry's struggles were due to lack of support rather than his own play.
Jarry himself seems optimistic about joining the Oilers. "Spending my time there over the summer, where I got to skate with some of the guys, made it an easier transition. And knowing Calvin (Pickard) and Curtis (Lazar) for a long time helped a lot," Jarry stated. "They're a tight group. It's a special group, and I'm excited to be part of it".
As Jarry prepares to face his former team, he acknowledges the mental challenge ahead. "It just keeps getting weirder and weirder for the Oilers' newest goalie," stated by Yahoo News Canada.
