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How does the Oilers’ Tristan Jarry trade look now?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 3:55 AM ET

Trading local kid Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh felt risky—he had flashes of brilliance, but consistency wasn’t there. One game he played lights out hockey; the next game, not so much. So the Oilers packaged him off to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry. Bold move. High stakes. And like most things in hockey, the payoff isn’t always obvious right away.

Jarry Looked Good When He Played, But an Injury Halted His Momentum

When Jarry arrived, he immediately gave the Oilers a sense of calm. He went 3-0 before the injury hit. Stats-wise, 3.08 goals against (GAA) and a .887 save percentage isn’t flashy. But the real difference? You could see it in how the team carried itself. There’s something contagious about having a goalie who can bail you out of a rough shift, and Jarry did just that.

Even in that short stretch, Jarry proved he can steal games Edmonton had no business winning. That’s the kind of thing that really counts in March and April, when mistakes get magnified, and one big save can flip a game.

Edmonton doesn’t need perfection night after night—they need reliability and a goalie who won’t make them pay when the margin for error is razor-thin. In that sense, Jarry already delivered a taste of what the team hoped for.

So, Was the Jarry Trade Worth It?

So, how does the trade look now? Not flawless. Injuries muddy the waters, and we haven’t seen Jarry at full strength for long stretches yet. But the early signs are promising, when he’s healthy. And that’s the deal. Still, one thing Oilers’ fans know, even on a small sample size. Jarry can play.

If he can stay healthy (and there’s the biggest two-letter word ever), he can play well. He’s calm, and has the ability to steal a game. This trade could be one of the most important moves Edmonton makes for their playoff hopes.

Two days ago, Jarry was placed on long-term injured reserve. He’s skating, but not quite ready to make a return and the Oilers will have to make a goaltending decision, or run with three netminders.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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