Penguins’ Goaltending Depth Could Create Expendable Move This Offseason
p/c: Gene J. Puskar
For a third consecutive year, the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs. Finishing with a record of 34-36-12, it’s their first losing season since Sidney Crosby’s rookie campaign in 2005-06.
Perhaps the biggest issue for the Penguins this season was the goaltending.
Pittsburgh ended the regular season with a team goals against average of 3.50, which tied the Buffalo Sabres, for the worst mark in the Eastern Conference.
Tristan Jarry, who was demoted to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on two occasions this season, registered a 3.12 GAA, along with an .892 save percentage, in 36 games with Pittsburgh.
After solid, work last season, Alex Nedeljkovic experienced regression, posting an identical, 3.12 GAA and a save percentage of .894, in 38 games played.
Rookie Joel Blomqvist got a taste of NHL action. The Finnish born netminder dealt with growing pains, however, recording a GAA of 3.81.
It’s worth prefacing that while the Penguins’ goaltenders struggled collectively, the defense in front of them was lackluster for much of the season.
Pittsburgh’s goaltending depth heading into the offseason will consist of Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic, Joel Blomqvist, Filip Larsson, and Sergei Murashov.
Jarry has three years remaining on his current extension that has an average annual value of $5.375 million. Nedeljkovic will have one year remaining on his deal, with a $2.5 million AAV. Much like Nedeljkovic, both Blomqvist and Larsson have one year left on their contracts, while Murashov won’t become a free agent until after the 2026-27 season.
Penguins president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas, will seemingly look to deal Jarry this offseason. Certainly no easy task, especially when Erik Karlsson’s contract is challenging in its own right. If Dubas is unable to find trade suitors, for Jarry’s services, then it’s likely Nedeljkovic would be the other alternative, given that his contract is much easier to move.
The event of either Jarry or Nedeljkovic being traded could result in a competition between Blomqvist and Larsson during training camp and the preseason.
Although Murashov was outstanding for Wilkes-Barre, he hasn’t put in a full season at the AHL level, so there’s no need to rush the 21-year-old’s development.
The Penguins’ goaltending situation will be one of many questions the team will have to face, in a very crucial offseason.