Penguins Place Struggling Goalie Tristan Jarry on Waivers

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a surprising move by placing goalie Tristan Jarry on waivers on Wednesday. The 29-year-old netminder is in the second season of a lucrative five-year contract with the Penguins, but his recent struggles have forced the team’s hand.   

Jarry has posted a disappointing .886 save percentage in 22 games this season, contributing to the Penguins’ current slump. They have lost seven of their last eight games and are clinging to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. General Manager Kyle Dubas acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the need to prioritize the team’s long-term success.   

Jarry’s struggles come after a promising start to the season. He began the year 1-1-0 but was subsequently assigned to the AHL for a conditioning stint. Upon his return, he showed flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent overall. This inconsistency, coupled with the Penguins’ need for stability in net, ultimately led to his placement on waivers.

The move leaves the Penguins with Alex Nedeljkovic as their starting goalie. Nedeljkovic himself has struggled this season, posting a save percentage nearly identical to Jarry’s (.886). However, the team is hoping that 23-year-old prospect Joel Blomqvist can provide a spark as Nedeljkovic’s backup. Blomqvist has shown promise in the AHL and will be recalled to provide depth in net.

Jarry’s future with the Penguins remains uncertain. If he clears waivers, he will be assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the team’s AHL affiliate. This move represents a significant setback for Jarry, who was once considered the team’s goalie of the future. The Penguins, meanwhile, will hope that a change in net can help them turn their season around and return to the playoffs.

 By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer