One month after the Edmonton Oilers initiated a significant shakeup in their goaltending, the results are a mixed bag of promise and lingering questions. The trade that sent Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry was a bold move aimed at providing stability and experience in net for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. However, as the Oilers navigate the season, the success of this gamble remains a subject of debate.
Tristan Jarry's arrival was intended to solidify the Oilers' goaltending situation, and early glimpses have been encouraging. In two games since returning from a lower-body injury that sidelined him since December 18th, Jarry has demonstrated his potential, stopping 54 of 58 shots, including a 31-save shutout against the Vancouver Canucks. His current record with the Oilers stands at 13-3-2 with a .909 save percentage. However, the key concern surrounding Jarry is his health. His ability to remain consistently healthy will ultimately determine whether this trade achieves its full potential.
Meanwhile, Stuart Skinner's performance in Pittsburgh has raised questions about whether the Oilers might have been too hasty in their decision. In his last five starts for the Penguins, Skinner has posted a 4-1-0 record with a 2.42 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. This resurgence has led some to wonder if a stronger defense in front of Skinner could have yielded similar results in Edmonton.
Complicating matters further is the Oilers' current situation with three goalies on the roster: Jarry, Connor Ingram, and Calvin Pickard. With Jarry expected to be the number-one option, the Oilers face a difficult decision regarding Ingram and Pickard. Ingram, acquired in a trade with the Utah Mammoth, has performed admirably since being called up from the AHL, posting a 3-2-1 record with a 2.98 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage. Pickard, while well-liked in the locker room, has struggled this season, with a 3.68 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage. Designating either Pickard or Ingram for waivers carries risk, as other teams are constantly seeking capable and affordable goaltending.
The Oilers' decision to keep Ingram on the NHL roster has eliminated a previously low-risk option, creating a three-goalie carousel that limits roster flexibility and complicates practice time. While they can carry three goalies through the Olympic break, a move will be needed afterward, likely involving Pickard being traded or placed on waivers. Despite his recent struggles, Pickard's teammates appreciate him, and there were even reports of players intervening to prevent him from being waived earlier in the season.
Ultimately, the success of the Oilers' goalie gamble hinges on Tristan Jarry's health and consistency. If he can remain healthy and perform at the level the Oilers expect, the trade will be deemed a success. However, if Jarry's injury issues persist or Skinner continues to excel in Pittsburgh, the Oilers may be left second-guessing their decision. For now, the Oilers are hoping that Jarry's recent shutout is a sign of things to come and that their gamble will pay off in the long run.
