The Edmonton Oilers were banking on a significant goalie upgrade this season. Their trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins aimed to replace Stuart Skinner with Tristan Jarry, a move that seemed promising based on pre-trade stats. Jarry's performance in Pittsburgh boasted a solid 90.9 save percentage, suggesting he could be the answer to the Oilers' goaltending woes.
However, things haven't gone as planned. Jarry's stint with the Oilers has been marred by injuries and inconsistency.
Just recently, in a tough matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, Jarry was pulled after allowing five goals on 24 shots. This outing added to his struggles, bringing his save percentage with Edmonton down to 86.3 over 12 games.
So, what's causing this dip? It could be a couple of things.
The Oilers’ defense has been notoriously porous, which might be affecting Jarry's performance. Alternatively, Jarry's form might have taken a hit post-trade, compounded by his time away due to injury, disrupting his rhythm.
For the Oilers, the path forward seems clear: they need to keep giving Jarry opportunities to play. He’s undoubtedly the most skilled goalie on their roster, and consistent game time might help him regain his confidence and form. The Oilers traded for Jarry with high hopes, and their best bet is to let him find his groove as the season progresses.