The Edmonton Oilers made their call in net. And now, with Connor McDavid in his prime and the championship window wide open, they need that decision to pay off.
For years, the Oilers’ goaltending situation has been a point of contention - a revolving door of stopgaps and short-term fixes that never quite solidified the crease. Two names kept surfacing in the rumor mill: Jordan Binnington and Tristan Jarry.
Binnington, with his Stanley Cup pedigree and big-game reputation, was often the louder buzz. But when it came time to pull the trigger, Edmonton GM Stan Bowman went a different route.
The Oilers shipped out Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to land Jarry - along with forward Samuel Poulin - from Pittsburgh. It was a bold move, and one that signaled the organization’s intent to stabilize the most volatile position on the roster.
Now, just over two months removed from the trade, the early returns are… complicated.
Jarry’s Rocky Start in Edmonton
Let’s not sugarcoat it - Jarry’s numbers since arriving in Edmonton haven’t been pretty. He’s posted a 6-4-1 record in 10 starts, with a 3.64 goals-against average and an .870 save percentage. Those are tough numbers for a team with championship aspirations, especially one that’s relying on elite offensive talent to mask defensive inconsistencies.
To be fair, Jarry came into the year strong in Pittsburgh. He was looking like a two-time All-Star back in form, and that likely played a big role in Bowman’s decision.
At the time, Binnington was struggling - both statistically and in terms of consistency - and didn’t appear close to turning things around. Factor in the salary cap implications and what St.
Louis may have been asking for in return, and Jarry looked like the more sensible option.
But this league isn’t about what’s sensible on paper. It’s about who delivers when the lights are brightest.
Binnington’s Big-Game Resume Speaks Volumes
Here’s where things get interesting. While Jarry’s been trying to find his footing in Edmonton, Binnington has once again stepped up on the international stage. A strong showing to kick off the Olympics only adds to his reputation as a goalie who thrives when the stakes are highest.
This isn’t revisionist history - Binnington’s track record in pressure-packed moments is well established. He backstopped the Blues to a Stanley Cup in 2019, and he’s consistently elevated his play in international competition. The 4 Nations Face-Off was another reminder of what he can do when the spotlight hits.
That’s the kind of resume that sticks in the minds of front offices - and fans - especially when the playoffs are looming.
Jarry’s Playoff Past Still Lingers
For Jarry, the postseason hasn’t been as kind. His playoff struggles are well documented, and while he’s shown flashes of elite ability, the consistency in big moments just hasn’t been there. His recent comments calling out his new team’s defensive effort before the Olympic break didn’t help matters either - even if there was some truth to them.
The reality is, fair or not, goalies are judged by what they do in the spring. And right now, Binnington’s past and present are outshining Jarry’s potential.
Edmonton’s Bet Is Placed - Now It Has to Pay Off
The Oilers made their choice, and there’s no turning back. Jarry is locked in for the duration of McDavid’s extension.
That’s the window. That’s the timeline.
And that’s the pressure.
At the time of the trade, the move made sense. Jarry was playing well, came at a more manageable cost, and didn’t carry the same cap hit as Binnington. But even then, there was a nagging sense that Binnington’s playoff pedigree made him the safer bet.
Now, with Binnington shining on the Olympic stage and Jarry still searching for rhythm in Edmonton, the questions are only going to grow louder. Especially if Binnington becomes a trade target for another contender before the deadline.
For the Oilers, though, it’s not about what could’ve been - it’s about what’s next. They’ve tied their fortunes to Jarry. And if they want to make the most of McDavid’s prime, they’ll need him to find his game - and find it fast.