Most of the recent trade speculation surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins is focused on Erik Karlsson. Their acquisition of right-shot blueliner Matt Dumba has some observers believing the 35-year-old defenseman will soon be on his way out of Pittsburgh.
However, their addition of goaltender Arturs Silovs earlier this week raises questions about Tristan Jarry's future in Pittsburgh.
A frequent subject of trade rumors for the past two seasons, the 30-year-old Jarry has battled inconsistency as the Penguins' starting goaltender. He spent some time with their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season as he struggled to regain his form.
Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek noted the addition of Silovs to the Penguins' goalie ranks. With promising Joel Blomqvist expected to take on a larger role this season, he wondered if Jarry would be traded and what it could cost the Penguins to move him.
Marek suggested the Edmonton Oilers as a trade partner. It's rumored they could seek an upgrade between the pipes, but no suitable options have appeared thus far.
Jarry's inconsistent play isn't an improvement over Edmonton's current tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. Assuming the Oilers were willing to acquire him, they lack sufficient cap space even with the Penguins retaining half of his $5.375 million average annual value through 2027-28.
Meanwhile, in Montreal, Mike Matheson has surfaced as a trade candidate in the rumor mill following the Canadiens' acquisition of Noah Dobson last month.
GM Kent Hughes has denied that Matheson would be shopped. However, the 31-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July, prompting some observers to suggest he would make a good trade chip to add an experienced second-line center.
Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens' executive VP of hockey operations, recently reiterated the club's commitment to Matheson. He told RG.Org's James Murphy he's pleased with the blueliner's performance, citing his leadership, experience, all-around skills and his ability to log 25 minutes per game.
Gorton and Hughes could change their minds about Matheson if the rebuilding Canadiens are out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline. For now, however, the veteran defenseman will be in their lineup when they open the season in October.
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