Has Tristan Jarry seen his last days with the Pittsburgh Penguins?
Tristan Jarry had a questionable future at best with the Pittsburgh Penguins even before they signed Finnish netminder Emil Larmi to a two-year, entry-level contract.
Now, with Larmi’s signing, the former backup goalie of the future has probably seen his last days with the Pens.
Larmi’s ordinary goaltending numbers are pretty good. This is a low-risk signing by the Penguins. It is worth a shot to see if there is some untapped potential here for Penguins goaltending development coach Andy Chiodo and the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins to work with and develop.
Fascinating signing by Penguins: 22-year-old Finnish goaltender Emil Larmi. Two-year entry-level deal worth $700K per season in NHL. Went 50-44-29 with 2.07 GAA and .931 save percentage in 3 seasons as HPK's starter in Liiga.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 2, 2019
Here is a quick highlight video of Larmi’s time spent playing in Liiga over in Finland. Larmi’s mobility and athleticism are on full display in this clip.
This signing will likely affect the future of Jarry. Jarry was a 2013 second-round draft pick by the Penguins. Considering that backup goalie Casey DeSmith earned a three-year extension last season and that Jarry is 24 years old, it is time for the Penguins to trade him.
Jarry has not fulfilled his potential in the Penguins organization. Here is a look at his AHL save percentages over the last four seasons.
- 2015-16: .905
- 2016-17: .925
- 2017-18: .901 (Jarry posted a .909 even-strength save percentage and a .789 high danger save percentage in 26 games with Pittsburgh)
- 2018-19: .915
It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Jarry. He may be capable of becoming an NHL backup in a year or two. But barring an unforeseen development, there’s just no room in Pittsburgh’s crease for that to happen.
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It is noteworthy that Pittsburgh has only five draft selections in the 2019 NHL Draft. Two of those selections are in the seventh and final round. The Penguins prospect pool is quite thin. Also, general manager Jim Rutherford did not draft Jarry. Trading him for a draft pick or two would give Jarry a fresh start, and the Penguins an asset in an attempt to restock the cupboard.
In terms of potential landing spots of Jarry, a few teams make sense. The Los Angeles Kings might trade Jonathan Quick this summer and have two draft selections in both the third and fourth rounds of the upcoming draft.
Edmonton Oilers backup netminder Anthony Stolarz is a UFA on July 1st. The Oilers have one pick in the third and fourth round. Jarry is a Canadian native and played for the Edmonton Oil Kings while in the WHL.
Ray Shero and the New Jersey Devils could end up being a landing spot as well. While Mackenzie Blackwood is likely the long-term solution in net, the Devils could acquire Jarry and allow him to develop in the AHL until Cory Schneider’s contract expires. New Jersey has a total of 6 draft picks in rounds 3 through 7.
Ultimately, there will not be a major market for a career AHL netminder. However, hopefully, the Penguins can sell a team on Jarry’s draft spot, decent numbers, and untapped potential. Thanks for reading!