CRANBERRY TWP, PA (93.7 The Fan) – The reaction was immediate and often harsh from the fans, even those facing Twitter restrictions, when the Pens announced they had re-signed goalie Tristan Jarry Saturday afternoon. It went back-and-forth even with hockey insiders as to what his future would be. What swayed it for new team president Kyle Dubas?
"The view of the people in the facility, in the room and with myself getting to know Tristan," Dubas said of a big reason why they gave him a five-year contract with an average salary of $5.375 million. "That's what made me comfortable to go down that path with him."
Former Pens executive Brian Burke said on the NHL Network on Saturday head coach Mike Sullivan is a big fan of Jarry. Obviously, that was one of the people in the facility Dubas was referencing. Dubas said when they looked at the whole sample size over Jarry's career, sized up the marketplace and that he was still 28-years-old it made it the right move.
In discussing the games missed due to injury, Dubas wasn't concerned as he said it started with something freak with Andres Lee landing on him. He noted that even dealing with injuries, Jarry still played 49 games last season. Dubas called it a credit to Jarry for being able to play that many games even with the ailments.
Dubas pointed out it wasn't long ago that Jarry was an all-star and for much of last season was top 10 in many categories. The $5.375 million should land him around top 15 in salary among goalies once everything is finalized. Dubas said they didn't pay him that money for his numbers to remain where they've been (career .909 save percentage and 2.90 goals against average).
"I think it's been made very clear to him what my expectations are in terms of him continuing to be in great shape, put himself in a position to be as healthy as possible," Dubas said.
He said with the style goalies and teams play now, very few goalies escape injury. It's been an issue for Jarry, Dubas' first huge move in Pittsburgh is banking on it not being an issue long-term.
