PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The NHL Draft came and went. The Pens didn’t pick a goalie. Numerous goalie trades happened over the last few days, none involved the Penguins. Free agency started Wednesday, the Pens signed only a goalie headed to the minor leagues.
It appears they are sticking with Tristan Jarry as their starter. Pens historian Bob Grove told The Cook and Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan. He’s with that plan.
“I think it’s too early in a guy’s career to do that,” Grove said of giving up on Jarry. “Let’s see how he responds to what has happened to him in the past year. His first as a number one in the NHL.”
“Given his age and what he’s accomplished. I’m not convinced that his career is over, that he’ll never be a playoff goaltender. I’m not there. Who would know better than Hextall.”
Examining what Jarry did, 38 starts, 2.75 goals-against average, .909 save percentage. It wasn’t even the best on his team and the GAA was 32nd in the league. The save percentage was 27th.
That being said, the 26-year-old had a really good run from February 14 until April 6 only one time did he give up more than three goals in a game. He lost only three games during that stretch.
Jarry came into the post-season a little bruised and left the post-season battered. He allowed 21 goals in six games for a 3.18 GAA and .888 save percentage. It included a horrible pass leading to a game-losing goal.
Grove concedes that while he expects him to be the number one and potentially have a good regular season. It’s on Hextall and the team to evaluate his playoff readiness.
“That’s why the guy in the GM’s chair is making the big money,” Grove said. “If that scenario happens, that he comes back and a really good season. It will be up to him to know if that guy has it to carry into the playoffs.”
“That’s really what it boils down to. He can do whatever he wants in the regular season, on opening night of the playoffs, if the Penguins get there, that is what will be on everyone’s mind.”
As for the Marc-Andre Fleury trade to Chicago and the possibility of him returning to where he won Stanley Cups.
“If the Penguins wanted him,” Grove said. “He would be here right now.”
And that same message goes for any other goalie name you may have heard.
“At the rate goaltenders were changing teams, if the Penguins were really, really going to get someone else,” Grove told 93.7 The Fan. “It would have been done by now.”
Factor in how tight the team is against the salary cap, prepare to see Jarry and Casey DeSmith when camp opens in September.