Penguins Tristan Jarry Could Soon be Placed on Waivers After Team Makes Shocking Decision

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Daniel Lucente
October 22, 2024 (6:14 PM)

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The Penguins are not interested in remaining patient with goaltender Tristan Jarry's struggles, which means they could soon be placing him on waivers.

Tristan Jarry has really struggled this season, and it seems the Penguins are trying to send a message as they have named Alex Nedeljkovic their starter in net. With Jarry's inconsistency, his role on the team is in question, as the Penguins are searching for some stability in the crease to hopefully begin to right their ship this season.

Through the first seven games of the season, the Penguins sit with a record of 3-4-0, with Jarry's performance in the net being one of the biggest concerns for the team. In three appearances this season, he has allowed 12 goals on just 73 shots, leading to a 5.47 GAA and a save percentage of .836. His numbers are so poor that many are starting to question whether he is still a viable option for the future.

Alex Nedeljkovic finally returned to the lineup, and after an okay first outing, the Penguins appear to feel good about him. Partnered with 22-year-old Joel Blomqvist, Nedeljkovic is thought of as potentially a long-term solution in goal. In front of a massive game against the Calgary Flames, the Penguins announced Nedeljkovic as the starter with Blomqvist as his backup. Of course, this alone does not officially spell out the end for Jarry in Pittsburgh, but it does show the team is considering their options.

It has been surprising to see Jarry struggle this year after a good two-year run where he was above a .900 save percentage and below a 3.00 GAA. That is all to be thrown out the window after the dismal performance from the netminder this year, who has left the Penguins in a tough spot in trying to find the best option to get back into the playoffs. If Nedeljkovic proves to work out, that could leave Jarry's future in question moving forward with the team.

With that said, the Penguins have reportedly discussed being so drastic as to waive Tristan Jarry or try to trade him, but it's complicated by his contract. Signed through the 2027-28 season with a pricey $5.375 million cap hit, Jarry would be tough to move. However, despite all of the struggles he's had, some analysts, such as Kevin Weekes, do believe he has the talent to bounce back. For now, though, the Penguins' main priority would be to work on solidifying the goaltenders, which means Jarry's future is undetermined.