Tristan Jarry has cleared waivers as anticipated. He has been reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Joel Blomqvist has been recalled to the NHL team.
Goaltender Joel Blomqvist has been recalled from @WBSPenguins (AHL). Goaltender Tristan Jarry has been re-assigned to WBS. pic.twitter.com/YVmS2IMDR4
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 16, 2025
There are plenty of things to process when it comes to these developments, but there is a small sliver of hope amidst the negativity of the situation.
Willing to admit a wrong
Kyle Dubas has caught a lot of fire for his short tenure in Pittsburgh so far. However, the fact that he signed Jarry to his massive five year contract and is willing to swallow the blow in an act to make things right is far more noble than most GMs would be.
There is a dichotomy of truths here: Kyle Dubas made a mistake signing Jarry to that big of a contract and he was willing to rip off the band-aid and admit he was wrong.
Jarry’s contract continues to be the worst decision of Dubas’ tenure so far. I get having to admit your wrong is tough, but for the good of the organization, he should buy out the rest of the contract and open the door for Blomqvist to get work in Pittsburgh. https://t.co/g8xvDBAq0u
— Matt Michelone (@MattMichelone) January 15, 2025
Pittsburgh sports fans will remember not very long ago when Mike Tomlin brought in Matt Canada to be the offensive coordinator for the Steelers. Instead of admitting he made a mistake, Tomlin doubled down and even tripled down on his decision before it blew up in his face and the organization couldn't deal with it any longer.
Dubas didn't wait. He cut it off. For that he should be given at least a mite of credit. The sooner you admit a mistake, the sooner you can make amends - a great life lesson for all of us.
good on kyle dubas for swallowing his pride with the worst contact he’s given out during his penguins-tenure and cutting ties with tristan jarry. did not expect them to outright waive him
— matt (@yinzzzerr) January 15, 2025
Jarry is still Pittsburgh property
Since Jarry cleared waivers, the problem isn't out of the room, necessarily. Jarry will be back in the AHL for his second stint this season, and it is not out of the question that we will see him again in Pittsburgh.
Dubas on Jarry: "He's continued to come in here, put the work in and that's not been a question at all. That just hasn't materialized the way we would like it to on the ice. At this level, you get to the point where you have to do what's right... for him and for us."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 15, 2025
Jarry is a hard worker. His teammates are rooting for him in this process. But the Penguins are still on the books with him for the remainder of this year and three more after that.
Is there a chance he gets better? Maybe. I wouldn't bet on it, but, again, he was a real Vezina candidate not very long ago. Goaltenders usually drop off hard without warning. Jarry's case isn't an anomaly. It's just unfortunate that it's happening now.
Dubas was asked if today is more difficult given it was his decision to extend Jarry in summer 2023. He took ownership; said part of the job is to try and rectify these situations instead of prolonging/forcing them, and cautioned against writing the obituary too quick. Quote ⬇️ https://t.co/GKEc5sujpb pic.twitter.com/efQY5lT6ww
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) January 15, 2025
Conversations will still have to be had about his future, and plenty of phone calls will be have to be made if the Penguins want to dump his albatross salary.
Hope yet for 2025...
Maybe I'm reading into this a little too much, but I have reason to believe that Dubas is displaying that he's not punting the season just yet.
The loss to the Kraken was pretty much the nail in the coffin, and now the Penguins will hit the road for seven games and won't return until February.
It's very bleak, much like the winter we're having on the east coast, but...
The addition of Joel Blomqvist, a promising rookie netminder, and cutting off Jarry's impact on the games might be Dubas' attempt at trying to save the season. The new year has not been kind to the Penguins, but there is still plenty of time left.
HCMS on Joel Blomqvist, and what stood about his play while with the Pens earlier this season.
— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) January 16, 2025
Our coverage of the Pens and Sabres begins Friday at 6pm on @SNPittsburgh pic.twitter.com/l3AAKU35S4
The Penguins have fallen from grace, now four points back of the second Wild Card spot with four teams buffering them. Don't mishear me, I'm not saying the move solves all the team's problems and they make the playoffs. However, the ol' addition by subtraction maneuver might help Pittsburgh find some traction.
The decisions to follow in the coming weeks will determine the trajectory of this team. Rickard Rakell will be a name to keep a close eye on as the trade deadline approaches. Until then, Kyle Dubas hasn't tipped his hand...yet.