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Tristan Jarry was at his residence on Friday morning when his phone rang.
Kyle Dubas, the general manager and president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, was calling. He urgently requested to meet with the experienced goaltender.
Jarry was unaware that his tenure playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin had come to an end.
And that he would be moving to a different organization, one blessed with exceptional talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, an organization keen to solidify its goaltending situation in the hope of finally claiming hockey’s ultimate trophy after consecutive postseason campaigns concluded in bitter disappointment.
Jarry joined the Edmonton Oilers in a five-player exchange on Friday, a deal that saw fellow netminder Stuart Skinner move in the opposite direction.
The 30-year-old Jarry, who had barely acquainted himself with his new Edmonton locker room teammates, subsequently started and made 25 saves in a 6-3 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
“A new environment with a different uniform,” he commented after witnessing McDavid and Draisaitl each tally three points. “Just attempting to adjust as quickly as possible, perform my role, and offer reliable support for them.”
Edmonton’s package sent to Pittsburgh included defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round draft selection, while minor-league forward Samuel Poulin was part of the incoming players. Skinner and Kulak, both hailing from Edmonton, are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Jarry’s current contract has this season plus two more years remaining.
“A whirlwind of feelings,” Jarry expressed regarding his reaction to the trade earlier that day, following the morning skate. “Having played in Pittsburgh for an extended period, I am immensely thankful for my time there. It was incredible. I couldn’t have asked for anything better, but hearing that it was for the Oilers is incredibly exciting.”
McDavid mentioned the team’s eagerness to welcome Jarry and defenseman Spencer Stastney, who was acquired from the Nashville Predators for a 2027 third-round pick in a separate transaction on Friday.
“It’s a somber day to see those two players depart, both of whom have been excellent for us for a long time,” stated the Oilers captain. “We are thrilled to bring in [Jarry] and Spencer, two players who performed well this year.”
Jarry, who holds a 10-3-1 record with a .909 save percentage and 2.69 goals-against average for the 2025-26 season, has experienced a dynamic NHL career.
The native of Surrey, B.C., was a selection for the all-star game in both 2020 and 2022, leading to a five-year contract valued at $26.875-million US. However, he encountered difficulties early last season before being placed on waivers and subsequently assigned to the American Hockey League.
“A decision needed to be made,” Jarry recalled, having eventually regained his form after the demotion. “Whether I chose to give up and end it, or if I opted to learn from that experience. Gaining insight from that period has strengthened me personally and improved me as a netminder.”
Jarry, who played junior hockey for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings and resides in the area during the offseason, maintains a career .909 save percentage and 2.74 GAA across 307 NHL appearances.
“Regardless of whether you are a Stanley Cup winner, a finalist, or a team that narrowly missed the playoffs, I believe an element of transformation is always necessary,” stated Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “We sense that we’ve enhanced our roster, and we anticipate our next phase with enthusiasm.”
The six-foot-four, 201-pound Jarry now takes over from Skinner as the Oilers’ primary goaltending choice, after Skinner helped guide them to two consecutive Cup finals in the past two years before their defeat by the Florida Panthers.
Skinner enjoyed some outstanding moments in Alberta’s capital, but also faced numerous challenging ones. He had become a frequent target of criticism for a team in “win-now” mode, especially with McDavid’s contract extending only through the 2027-28 season. The 27-year-old commenced this season with a record of 11-8-4, an .891 save percentage, and a 2.83 GAA.
Knoblauch, nonetheless, suggested that Skinner’s tenure with the organization should be viewed “very positively” considering the team’s postseason achievements.
“It’s not common for a goaltender to participate in two Stanley Cup final runs,” Knoblauch remarked. “He had his moments of excellence and struggle, but I think many of his difficult times were perhaps somewhat unfair to him. He wasn’t consistently stellar every single night, but I do believe he was a genuinely reliable goaltender.”
Jarry, who has only participated in eight NHL playoff contests, will now be tasked with advancing the Oilers one step further.
“I am completely embracing it,” he affirmed. “It’s going to be an enjoyable challenge. I believe having the chance to reach the pinnacle of sports… that’s what you always aspire to, to have that opportunity. Being part of this team, and being able to achieve that, will be extraordinary.”
