NHL Rumors: Penguins "Must Fix Goaltending Next Season"

Recent analysis by Rob Rossi of The Athletic has underscored the Pittsburgh Penguins' urgent need to address their goaltending situation during the upcoming offseason.

Highlighting Tristan Jarry's inconsistent performance and recent struggles, Rossi emphasizes the pivotal role of goaltending stability in the team's success.

Despite boasting formidable offensive and defensive capabilities, recurrent lapses in the net have left the Penguins vulnerable in critical moments throughout the season, hindering their competitiveness.

Jarry started the season as the team's starting goaltender but faltered down the stretch, resulting in backup Alex Nedeljikovic taking over the lead duties.

A miraculous stick save by Tristan Jarry#LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/XhRQNR3vqj

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 19, 2023

What makes the whole situation even worse, is that Jarry is in the first season of a five-year, $26.87M deal ($5.3M AAV), which he signed last summer.

This season, the 28-year-old Jarry posted a .903 SV%, 2.91 GAA, with a league-leading six shutouts, and a 19-25-5 record over 51 games played.

He points to crucial instances where Jarry's lapses directly impacted game outcomes, underscoring the urgency for remedial action. As the offseason approaches, Rossi suggests that President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas must prioritize addressing this pressing issue, considering strategic trades, free-agent signings, or internal developments to fortify the team's goaltending depth.

Four more years of Tristan Jarry.

At $5.375 million.

And you don't trust him to start tonight.

When your backup has played 11 in a row.

And looked awful on Saturday.

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 15, 2024

Over the last five seasons, Jarry has compiled a solid .912 SV%, 2.68 GAA, with 17 shutouts, and a 122-77-22 record across 228 games played.

With the Penguins poised to make critical decisions in the offseason, addressing goaltending deficiencies emerges as a top priority for ensuring the team's competitiveness moving forward. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports