Evaluating the issues associated with a potential Tristan Jarry trade

The 3-4-1 Pittsburgh Penguins have three goalies traveling with the team during this week's West Coast/Canadian swing. They are Alex Nedeljkovic, Joel Blomqvist, and Tristan Jarry.

Because Nedeljkovic is just returning from a preseason injury, it made sense to carry three goalies on the trip. How long will the Penguins continue this plan?

The internet is rampant with rumors of a potential Tristan Jarry trade. Nothing credible or official has been reported, but the Penguins are probably conducting due diligence behind the scenes to see if it is a viable option. It has been reported that the team tried to trade him over the summer but had no offers.

A Jarry trade would be complicated

Because Jarry was in a slump before being relegated to the third goalie position, his trade value is at an all-time low. The Penguins cannot anticipate getting much in return, perhaps a veteran position player at or near 30 years of age also performing below expectations with a few years left on his contract on a team short on depth at goalie.

Jarry's big contract is an added complication. He signed a five-year deal with the Penguins beginning in the 2023-2024 season that averages $5.375 million annually. Even if a team is interested in trading for Jarry, they probably do not want the financial weight of his contract.

A more viable option

Josh Yohe of The Athletic believes the Penguins could and should put Jarry on waivers and send him to Wilkes Barre Scranton. That move would reduce the Penguins' cap hit by $1.15 million. This would also open the door for the team to buy him out of his contract at the end of the season if necessary.

In the meantime, Nedeljkovic and Blomqvist will be the starter and backup. Both have been more successful statistically through eight games than Jarry.