The Pittsburgh Penguins may be ready for their top goalie prospect to make a push for the NHL.

PITTSBURGH – Down one of the most critical stretches of the Pittsburgh Penguins season, goaltending became a focal point of the team. Alex Nedeljkoivc took over as the starting netminder for the final 13 games of the season, while Tristan Jarry only saw ice in relief.

This pattern led many to believe Jarry’s days in Pittsburgh may be numbered and Nedeljkovic could take over as the starter next season. Early reports have already indicated that prospect goalie Joel Blomqvist may be ready to battle for a role at the NHL level, giving the Penguins three capable goalies.

Despite the thought of Nedeljkoivc taking over as the Penguins' go-to goalie, he may be the odd-man out. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, while Jarry has four years left on his newly signed contract.

According to president and general manager Kyle Dubas, he expects Jarry to bounce back next season, and depending on how Blomqvist performs in the American Hockey League playoffs, he may be ready for the NHL.

“Tristan has massive potential,” Dubas said. “What I’m most excited about for Tristan, every player that gets in these spots at these points… he has to make the decision on how he responds next year. I’m excited to see how Tristan responds.”

The words “next year” imply that Jarry will return with the Penguins for the 2024-25 season, but who will be behind him?

“We have a situation where we have a young goaltender that’s also pushing,” Dubas said. “We’re going to use these next stretch of weeks… how does Joel play? Can he assert himself at that level?”

Blomqvist was recently picked to the AHL’s All-Rookie and Second All-Star teams. The expectations are high, and if he carries the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins through a couple of playoff rounds, he might bump Nedeljkovic down the priority list.

A lot of change is expected from the Penguins this offseason, but there may not be much to speak of at the goalie position. Nedeljkovic may test the free agent market for the second straight summer. Jarry will stick around and likely open the season as the starter. Blomqvist may get his shot at the NHL as the backup.

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