Pittsburgh Penguins place Tristan Jarry on waivers amid struggles
- Tristan Jarry has struggled in his performance this season, accumulating an 8-8-4 record with a 3.31 goals-against average.
- The Penguins decided to place him on waivers to allow rookie Joel Blomqvist to take over goaltender duties amid playoff contention concerns.
- This move reflects the organization's shift to improve performance and may lead to Jarry's reassignment to the AHL if unclaimed.
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins announced on January 16, 2025, that goaltender Tristan Jarry has been placed on waivers. The decision comes after Jarry struggled significantly throughout the season, showing a record of 8-8-4, a 3.31 goals-against average, and an .886 save percentage. General Manager Kyle Dubas stated that waiting for Jarry to return to form was no longer viable for the team, particularly with an upcoming crucial seven-game road trip that could define their playoff chances. Jarry, who had previously been an All-Star in 2020 and 2022, signed a five-year contract with the Penguins worth $26.9 million on July 1, 2023. However, his performance declined over the last two seasons, and he had lost five straight starts leading up to the waiver announcement. During the previous season, Jarry was sent to the team's AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, for conditioning but had not made a successful return to form since. Pittsburgh’s captain, Sidney Crosby, emphasized the pressure on goaltenders, acknowledging that the entire team bears some responsibility for the struggles faced by the goalie position. Coach Mike Sullivan also reflected on Jarry's talent and expressed hope for a potential return to the NHL for him. In the wake of placing Jarry on waivers, the Penguins intend to call up rookie Joel Blomqvist to provide an opportunity for new talent in goal, highlighting a shift in strategy that aims to improve the team's chances in a tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race. This pivotal moment for Jarry and the Penguins is indicative of broader challenges within the franchise. The team's defensive troubles have compounded the issues in net, and organizational decisions will need to address both immediate performance and long-term player development moving forward. Jarry's waiver placement symbolizes a significant fork in the road for both him and the franchise as they assess their future direction after enduring a tumultuous season thus far.