Tristan Jarry is gearing up for a new chapter with the Edmonton Oilers, planning to make his debut on Saturday in a nationally televised matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena (7 p.m. ET, CBC, SNO, SNP). The 30-year-old goaltender was just traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with forward Samuel Poulin, in exchange for goalie Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a second-round pick in the 2029 NHL Draft.
This move brings Jarry back to a familiar place, as he has fond memories of Edmonton. He helped the Oil Kings win the Memorial Cup in 2014 and even bought a house about 15 minutes outside the city where he and his wife and their baby boy spend the summers.
Speaking on Saturday morning about the Friday trade, Jarry admitted he was initially unsure what was happening when Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas called. Yet once the news sank in, he felt a surge of excitement. “My time with the Oil Kings was incredibly meaningful. I had many friends there and grew up a bit,” Jarry said. “When the chance to buy a home there arose, I decided to plant roots.”
This season, Jarry is 9-3-1 with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage over 14 games (13 starts). Across 307 regular-season appearances (294 starts), his record stands at 161-100-32 with a 2.74 GAA and a .909 save percentage.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch praised Jarry, noting his established track record and reliability. “Tristan is a proven pro who’s posted solid numbers over many seasons. We feel we’re strengthening an area that’s already been strong,” Knoblauch said. While last year had its rough patches, Knoblauch emphasized Jarry’s long-term consistency.
During his first media session since the trade, Jarry reflected on a career crossroads last season, when he posted a 3.12 GAA and .893 save percentage. He even spent time in the minors on a conditioning stint, wondering at one point if his NHL days were over.
The 2025-26 season, however, has shown a rebound. “Learning from my mistakes last year was crucial,” Jarry said. He cited the early-season struggles, the conditioning stint, and that moment of potential retirement as pivotal decisions that forced a reset. “Choosing to learn rather than quit made me stronger and better.”
Now with the Oilers, Jarry understands the high expectations of a team that has reached the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past two seasons and aims to win it all. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m embracing it fully. It should be a fun challenge, and the chance to chase the ultimate prize is special.”
Edmonton’s welcome for Jarry included several summer skates with captain Connor McDavid. Yet the departure of Skinner and Kulak—two popular teammates—was emotional for many in the locker room. Skinner, who has posted an 11-8-4 record with a 2.83 GAA and a .891 save percentage this season, leaves a lasting imprint after helping the Oilers reach back-to-back Finals appearances, both times falling to the eventual champions, the Florida Panthers.
McDavid reflected on Skinner’s impact, describing him as a leader who helped power two Cup runs while remaining a good person and a respected presence in the locker room.
In a scheduling twist, Jarry and the Oilers will next face the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Tuesday in a nationally televised game—a matchup he describes as emotionally charged.
“I’ll feel a mix of emotions,” Jarry admitted. “It will be strange to wear a different jersey in that rink. Playing alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang for so many years makes those bonds feel like family. Those are tough goodbyes, but I’m grateful for everything.”
