Edmonton Oilers Acquire Star Goaltender Tristan Jarry in Shocking NHL Trade

The Edmonton Oilers made a major move to address their longstanding goaltending needs Friday. They acquired two-time All-Star Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The trade was confirmed by both teams on December 12, 2025.

This blockbuster swap reshapes the playoff picture for both franchises. It ends a significant era in Pittsburgh while giving Edmonton a proven veteran starter.

Breaking Down the Major Trade Details

Edmonton sent goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round draft pick to Pittsburgh. In return, they received Jarry and forward Sam Poulin. Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman finalized the deal.

The Penguins part ways with a cornerstone player they drafted in 2013. Jarry played over 300 games for the organization. This move signals a strategic shift for Pittsburgh’s roster construction.

For the Oilers, the motivation is clear. They seek stability in net for a deep playoff run. Team management believes Jarry’s elite credentials provide an immediate upgrade.

What Jarry Brings to the Oilers’ Net

Tristan Jarry arrives with impressive accolades. He earned NHL All-Star honors in both 2020 and 2022. The 30-year-old from Surrey, British Columbia, is in his prime.

His current contract is a significant factor. Jarry is in year three of a five-year deal worth $5.375 million annually. His early 2025-26 performance showed promise, with metrics indicating strong play.

However, his playoff record draws scrutiny. Jarry posted a 2-6 record across eight postseason starts with Pittsburgh. His playoff save percentage was .891, a figure Edmonton hopes he can improve.

Why Edmonton Moved On From Stuart Skinner

Stuart Skinner departs his hometown team after years of development. The 26-year-old was drafted by Edmonton in 2017. He grew into the team’s primary goaltender.

His performance this season led to the change. Skinner had an 11-8-4 record with a 2.83 goals-against average. His .891 save percentage ranked in the lower tier of NHL starters.

Management decided a change was necessary for championship aspirations. Trading a hometown player is always difficult. The organization felt this move was essential for immediate success.

Immediate Reaction and Long-Term Implications

The hockey world reacted quickly to the news. Analysts are split on which team won the trade. Some believe Pittsburgh secured valuable future assets.

Others think Edmonton paid a steep price for a goaltender with playoff questions. The inclusion of a second-round pick adds to the package’s value for Pittsburgh.

For the Oilers, the pressure is now on Jarry to perform. He joins a team with elite offensive talent. His performance will be crucial for any Stanley Cup pursuit.

The Penguins gain a younger goaltender in Skinner and a reliable defenseman in Kulak. This trade provides them with flexibility and resources for their own retooling process.

This Tristan Jarry trade represents a high-stakes gamble for the Edmonton Oilers, betting that an All-Star goaltender can be the final piece of their championship puzzle. The outcome will define both franchises for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Who did the Edmonton Oilers trade for Tristan Jarry?

The Oilers traded goalie Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round draft pick. In return, they received Jarry and forward Sam Poulin from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Q2: What is Tristan Jarry’s contract situation?

Jarry is in the third year of a five-year contract. He earns an average annual value of $5.375 million. The deal was signed with Pittsburgh in July 2023.

Q3: How has Jarry performed in the NHL playoffs?

His playoff record has been a point of criticism. Jarry has a 2-6 record in eight postseason starts. He maintained a .891 save percentage and 3.00 goals-against average in those games.

Q4: Why did the Oilers move on from Stuart Skinner?

Skinner’s performance this season was inconsistent. He posted an .891 save percentage through early December. Management believed an upgrade was necessary for a serious Cup run.

Q5: What does Pittsburgh gain from this trade?

The Penguins acquire a younger starting goaltender, a veteran NHL defenseman, and a future draft pick. This provides them with multiple assets to reshape their roster.

Q6: When did this trade officially happen?

The trade was confirmed and announced by both NHL clubs on Friday, December 12, 2025. The news broke in the morning hours.