The Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of executing two significant trades that could reshape their roster as they aim to improve their season. According to reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Oilers are in advanced talks to acquire goaltender Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins and defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Nashville Predators.
LeBrun confirmed shortly after Friedman’s report that Jarry will be heading to Edmonton. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Oilers are set to part with their 2027 third-round pick in exchange for Stastney. Insider Frank Seravalli has indicated that goaltender Stuart Skinner, along with another player, is included in the trade package for Jarry. ESPN’s Kevin Weekes added further details, stating that defenseman Brett Kulak and a draft pick are also en route to Pittsburgh, along with former first-round pick Samuel Poulin.
The Oilers’ interest in Jarry has surfaced over the past few weeks, particularly highlighted by Weekes’ report just before American Thanksgiving. Jarry has reportedly been generating considerable trade interest across the league, with the Oilers emerging as the frontrunners. This growing focus on Jarry aligns with the franchise’s tricky salary cap situation, suggesting that discussions with Pittsburgh have been ongoing for several weeks.
The urgency to acquire a reliable goaltender stems from the struggles the team has faced this season. Last year, despite some uneven performances from Skinner during their playoff run, the Oilers managed to reach the Stanley Cup Final. However, Skinner’s postseason form raised concerns, culminating in a disappointing .861 save percentage in five games against the Florida Panthers.
This season has compounded those issues, with Skinner and Calvin Pickard combining for a dismal .879 save percentage over Edmonton’s first 33 games. Furthermore, the situation has been exacerbated at the AHL level, where third-string goaltender Connor Ingram possesses a troubling .868 save percentage with the Bakersfield Condors.
As the situation unfolds, it’s evident that the Oilers’ front office felt compelled to make impactful changes to bolster their chances for a successful season. Further updates regarding these trades and their implications for the Oilers are anticipated soon.
