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The Edmonton Oilers Finally Make a Major Move in Net

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The man they call Friedge, better known as Elliotte Friedman, got us warmed to the idea of a busy news day for the Edmonton Oilers today. It is was announced that Edmonton agreed to trade Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins, in exchange for Tristan Jarry. Also, Brett Kulak, along with a 2029 second-round draft pick will be headed Pittsburgh’s way, with Samuel Poulin in return. What’s more, is that Edmonton also made a small move with the Nashville Predators. Let’s figure out what all happened, and what it means.

Edmonton Trade Stuart Skinner and others to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry

In some ways, this is a curious move for Edmonton. They are trading a goalie with noted consistency problems, for another that has been known to fall into that category as well. However, Jarry has been fairly consistent statistically throughout his career in a Pittsburgh organization that has not been at the same level as it was just prior to him arriving in Pennsylvania. Perhaps that is the thinking behind the move, that if Jarry were on a more stable team in front of him, he would have had more success.

This year, with Pittsburgh playing well thus far, Jarry has the numbers to back it up. He is 9-3-1, with one shutout, a 2.66 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. Furthermore, what Edmonton really acquired his services for, is the playoffs. In eight career Stanley Cup playoff games, he is 2-6. However, in the small sample size, his numbers are around replacement level at an .891 SV% and a 3.00 GAA.

Let’s Check Out the Details

Meanwhile, when compared to Skinner’s numbers, you may begin to see the little things that make the deal make sense. On a consistently strong Oiler team, his numbers have been sub-par over the years. He has a career save percentage of only .904. Moreover, this year, that has dipped to just .891, through 23 games for the 27-year-old netminder. If we focus on his career in the postseason, again his numbers are surprising given the strength of team. Despite back-to-back trips to the final, he only sports a 26-22 record overall. Also, his .893 SV% is less than ideal. His inconsistency also includes being replaced in the playoffs, in favour of Calvin Pickard at times.

Edmonton made a clear statement with this move, that Skinner was not their guy. This means, in some regard, that general manager Stan Bowman respects the skaters and their all-around game. It is also a huge boost of support for Jarry. Jarry has never had much success at the NHL level, when games matter the most, but has the skills and experience now, too, to show he is ready to take the next step.

The Other Pieces of the Skinner and Jarry Trade

The trade also includes a swap of defencemen. Samuel Poulin is a guy who still only has 15 games of NHL experience under his belt. The 24-year-old native of Laval, Quebec will look to bolster the Oilers organizational depth charts on the blueline. Meanwhile, the Oilers give up Brett Kulak. This seems like the right move, as the veteran has been underperforming this year. He has but two points through 31 games.

One key point for the Penguins, that GM Kyle Dubas was adamant on, was regarding Jarry’s contract. There was no retention on his contract by Pittsburgh. It had been a point holding up the trade perhaps, but now it is done. Skinner is making $2.6 million, on this, his last year of his deal. Meanwhile, Jarry is making $5.375M on a five-year deal, that expires in the summer of 2028. With Edmonton up to the salary cap ceiling, including Kulak was necessary to make the move work. Although, they did have some cap relief from long-term injured reserve, after Jake Walman was listed there yesterday.

What Else

The Oilers were also involved in a smaller deal to swap a 2027 third-round pick. They will receive Spencer Stastney from the Nashville Predators. The 25-year-old is a regular on the Preds blueline this year, with nine points in 30 games.

 

 

Main Photo Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

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