PHN Extra: Tristan Jarry as Trade Chip Would Be Dangerous Game

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a win-now mode. 2022 doesn’t matter nearly as much as 2018-19 yet Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has done a splendid job of locking up core players and essential role players. The Penguins as currently constructed are solid but could fall behind Stanley Cup competitors like Tampa Bay and Toronto as both teams are pushing hard to improve this offseason. The Penguins could feel pressured into a deal which costs them young goaltender Tristan Jarry. And that could be a mistake.

A quick look around the NHL shows several good teams which are being held back by lack of goaltending, including a few in the Penguins division such as Philadelphia, Carolina and (formerly) the New York Islanders. One wonders if the New York Rangers had better goaltending last season if they would have undergone their rebuild so abruptly?

And there sit the Penguins, in their usual position of envy. Two future Hall-of-Fame centers? Check. Sniping wingers? Check. Two potential franchise goalies? Check.