Penguins Could Explore Waiver Wire for Goalie Help
If Tristan Jarry is in trouble, a certain goalie with connections to the Pittsburgh Penguins GM just hit waivers.
The Pittsburgh Penguins knew they were taking a risk when they re-signed Tristan Jarry to a five-year contract, but it wasn’t a risk of his skill.
No one doubts the skill Jarry brings to the Penguins. Coming up with big saves at clutch times might be an issue, but overall he’s an outstanding goalie.
The biggest risk of keeping Jarry around is his ability to stay healthy; he suffered for a majority of the 2022-23 season with an injury and it showed in his play.
So far, in 2023-24, Jarry has been healthy and starting to find a good rhythm in net, but another injury might be stepping in the way.
Through no real fault of of his own, Jarry was clipped by Anaheim Ducks forward Adam Henrique, causing his head and neck to snap awkwardly.
With his mask also hanging loose, a puck hit Jarry in the head area forcing some bleeding from above his eye.
Head coach Mike Sullivan was unable to give an update following the game, but should the Penguins prepare for the worst?
If Jarry is out for long-term, they’ll need a quick replacement until Alex Nedeljkovic is ready to return.
The soonest Nedeljkovic can re-join the team is November 19 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Until then, what can the Penguins do? Will Dubas take a look at waivers?
The Edmonton Oilers just placed goalie Jack Campbell on waivers and there’s a history between those two.
Dubas traded for Campbell during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and he got a couple of really good seasons out of him.
In 2020-21, Campbell posted a 17-3-2 record with a .921 save percentage; the following year he went 31-9-6 with a .914.
Even in his first year with the Oilers, Campbell’s record wasn’t bad; 21-9-4, but a .888 save percentage is hard to swallow.
The price tags between Jarry and Campbell also make this a totally viable solution.
If the Penguins place Jarry on long-term injured reserve, it will open up $5.375 million in salary cap space; Campbell’s contract is egregious, but it’s only $5 million.
One massive hold up, and arguably what forces the Penguins to avoid this; when Jarry and Nedeljkovic are back, the Penguins would likely try and fly Campbell through waivers again to the AHL.
If he clears, the Penguins would still be on the hook for $4.85 million against the cap for a player not even on the NHL roster.
Campbell has gotten off to a horrendous start to the 2023-24 season, and this idea likely wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) be a permanent solution.
Dubas has a knack for leaning on his guys, and something about Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds catches his eye every time.
For all we know Jarry could be back on the ice tomorrow against the Los Angeles Kings and this is all for nothing, but the Penguins are nothing without a good goalie controversy.
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