Hockey Trade Rumour: NHL Analyst Proposes Penguins and Blue Jackets Goalie Swap
Pittsburgh Penguins goalie, Tristan Jarry, has not dressed up for the second straight game. What will the team do next with the underperforming netminder?
Tristan Jarry was in the press box for the second straight game when the Pittsburgh Penguins decided to play Alex Nedeljkovic as their starter against the Calgary Flames, who are unbeaten (in regulation), at the Scotiabank Saddledome last night.
A rough start to the season for Jarry, who has given up 12 goals on 73 shots in his three starts this season, recording a shocking 5.47 goals against average and a .836 save percentage. He gave up three goals on five shots in his final start against the Buffalo Sabres last week before being pulled.
As the struggles continue for Tristan Jarry and the Pittsburgh Penguins, many beg the question - What will Kyle Dubas and the Penguins do with their highest paid goaltender?
The Athletic's Aaron Portzline has put forth a trade suggestion that might help the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins with their goaltending issues: Switching starting goalies Tristan Jarry and Elvis Merzlikins.
Merzlikins' cap hits through 2026-2027 are almost identical, at $5.4 million, and Jarry's is $5.375 million. According to Portzline, this "bad contract for bad contract" deal might provide both netminders with a much-needed change of scenery.
«This kind of move isn't uncommon in the NHL,» Portzline noted, implying that after erratic performances, a new beginning might aid the goalies in finding their form again.
According to Portzline, the trade might offer some cap flexibility because Pittsburgh might lower the possible buyout costs for Jarry and Columbus would benefit from Merzlikins' additional year of term.
He did, however, acknowledge that there might be obstacles to negotiations, such as the modified no-trade clauses of each goalie (Jarry has a 12-team list, while Merzlikins has a 10-team list).
He concluded by saying, "It's just something to ponder," adding that while it might not entirely resolve the goaltending problems, it might assist each team in overcoming a noticeable shortcoming.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 23 | 105 ANSWERS Hockey Trade Rumour: NHL Analyst Proposes Penguins and Blue Jackets Goalie Swap Do you think this would be a good trade scenario for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Blue Jackets? | ||
| Yes | 67 | 63.8 % |
| No | 38 | 36.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
