Oilers’ Tristan Jarry on time with Penguins: ‘I loved Pittsburgh’

When Tristan Jarry began his big-league career with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2016-17 season, he never imagined he would suit up with another NHL team.

But on Friday, he, alongside minor-leaguer Sam Poulin, was sent to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak and a second-round pick.

“Yeah, it’s different,” Jarry told reporters in Pittsburgh on Monday, ahead of his return to PPG Paints Arena. “It’s something that I always thought — that I would never play for another team, honestly.”

Jarry played 307 NHL games with the Penguins during his tenure with the team, which spanned parts of 10 seasons.

He became a starter for the Penguins in 2021-22, when he appeared in 58 games and posted a .919 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average, also earning him a trip to the all-star game.

He re-signed with the Penguins in the 2023 off-season, inking a five-year contract worth $26.9 million.

“I loved Pittsburgh. I loved living there. I loved the city and everything that came with putting that jersey on. It was very special to me and it was anything and everything I could have imagined.”

Over his career in Pittsburgh, he saw 161 wins, including a 9-3 record in 14 games played this season, prior to his trade.

“You never know, I hope in a good way,” the Surrey, B.C., native smiled when asked how he thinks he’ll be received in his return. “I put my heart and soul into this team, and I hope they understand that.

“You want to win every single game that you step on the ice, and I think that’s all I wanted to do, was to win in Pittsburgh. I hope I’m received that way.”

You can watch Jarry’s return to Pittsburgh on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ on Tuesday, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. MT.