Western Conference Goalie Becomes Possible Trade Target for Penguins Amid Jarry Struggles

It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Penguins need a goaltender, and management is working on a solution.

On Saturday, the Penguins sent struggling Tristan Jarry down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL. He's only supposed to be down there for two weeks, but his $5.375 million AAV counts against their cap, giving Pittsburgh little room to maneuver. Yet, with the 29-year-old's rough start to the season, it's hard not to wonder if we're heading toward a big change in net.

Jarry has a 5.47 goals-against average and a .836 save percentage-numbers that made all of Pens nation wince. And then there was the game against the Buffalo Sabres, where he let in three goals on just five shots in the first period. Thankfully, Joel Blomqvist stepped in, and they rallied for a 6-5 OT win, but this start wasn't what many had expected from their brick wall.

Cue the John Gibson rumors. Nick Kypreos says Anaheim Ducks star goaltender might be on the trade market after he returns from injury in November.

Having a proven netminder like Gibson, especially with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still producing, gives the Pens a chance to contend for the postseason. However, GM Kyle Dubas would have to send Pat Verbeek a haul, and Pittsburgh doesn't have space to absorb all of his $6.4 million cap hit, though the Ducks may be open to salary retention depending on the package.

Getting Gibson wouldn't be cheap, and Anaheim may shoot for prized prospect Rugter McGroaty or a first-round pick in negotiations. Yet with Pittsburgh's core getting older, going after a reliable goaltender could be the bold move they need. The 31-year-old's playoff-ready experience and ability to handle a high workload make tempting options, even if the cost is high. So the question is, do the Penguins pull the trigger on Gibson to settle things between the pipes?