Connor McDavid needs saving — and Oilers may look to Sidney Crosby's Penguins to rescue his NHL legacy

Hero Image
After another disappointing playoff exit, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers may be forced to confront a hard truth: their championship window is shrinking. With each passing season, the pressure mounts—not only to deliver but to fix persistent weaknesses. This summer, the most glaring issue appears to be in the crease. Now, whispers around the league suggest the solution could come from an unexpected ally: Sidney Crosby ’s Pittsburgh Penguins .

Could Tristan Jarry be Connor McDavid’s last hope?

In the wake of Edmonton’s playoff frustrations, NHL insider Jeff Marek floated an intriguing idea on Inside Sports—Pittsburgh’s Tristan Jarry might be the answer to the Oilers’ long-standing goaltending concerns. Jarry, who still has three years remaining on a $26.75 million contract, has had his ups and downs in Pittsburgh, but his talent is undeniable. The catch? Edmonton would need help absorbing the salary.


“I think if the Penguins retain half, I think that there’s a shot,” Marek said via NHL Rumour Report on X. “Can Dubas move Jarry without retention? Probably not, but which team is gonna ask him to retain the least and maximize the return?”

The Penguins, however, aren’t just a goalie shop. This is Sidney Crosby’s team, and trading away Jarry—his longtime teammate—could feel like a seismic shift. But with Pittsburgh quietly leaning toward a rebuild, they may be ready to move on. The recent addition of Arturs Silovs from Vancouver, coupled with the development of Joel Blomqvist, hints at a possible changing of the guard.

Edmonton Oilers must choose its goaltending future carefully

For the Oilers, the need is urgent. While Calvin Pickard showed flashes of reliability, insiders like Rory Boylen believe he’s more likely to be on the move than Stuart Skinner. Edmonton seems more inclined to look for a stronger backup rather than replace Skinner outright—unless a goalie like Jarry becomes available under favorable terms.

Still, the Oilers haven’t stood still. David Pagnotta recently revealed that the team explored the possibility of acquiring John Gibson from Detroit, only to be turned down. That attempt signals just how serious Edmonton is about resolving their goaltending issue this offseason.

If Tristan Jarry does end up in Alberta, it won’t be without strategic maneuvering—and maybe a favor from Kyle Dubas and the Penguins. For McDavid, who is entering his prime with a ticking championship clock, every decision matters. And if Pittsburgh is willing to deal, this could be a rare win-win in a league where patience wears thin fast.

Also Read: Can Jeff Skinner revive his old magic in the San Jose Sharks, or is this just a short stop on his journey?