Kyle Dubas Must Trade Longtime Penguins Veteran This Offseason

Tristan Jarry received his first start since Jan. 14th, back when he gave up two early goals in 50 seconds, a span that sealed the Penguins' doom, in a 4-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken.

He redeemed himself splendidly Sunday, performing beautifully against the Minnesota Wild with a series of vital saves.

Jarry shut out 29 of 30 shots in the win, an excellent return to play. He then was incredible last night against the Golden Knights, saving 35 of 37 shots in yet another win, in overtime this time.

If Jarry keeps this up, general manager Kyle Dubas has to take every opportunity to trade him this offseason.

Throughout his career, Jarry has been streaky, playing lights out one period and then completely imploding. His games versus the Wild and Golden Knights were gems, but history teaches that it may be an anomaly, not the norm.

Penguins fans who wanted a difficult slate to close the season may have Jarry's services convenient to them, not for wins, but for positioning the team to win the draft lottery.

And sure, if he plays well, it might enhance his trade value, and that would be a good thing for Pittsburgh as they look ahead.

In the meantime, Joel Blomqvist, having only recently had his brief, reluctant stay in the NHL, was returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to keep developing his skills.

Fans shouldn't write him off just yet, as management still sees him as a key component of their future. Sergei Murashov is also getting playing time, splitting games with Wheeling in the ECHL and Wilkes-Barre.

The best news for Pittsburgh here is that the worst that could happen to the team is Jarry finds himself again just in time to be traded, which will allow Blomqvist and Murashov their opportunity in the NHL sooner rather than later.