Jarry focuses on improving, but path to NHL is blocked
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Tristan Jarry was in Charlotte Friday, gearing up for his next start in goal for the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins when the NHL parent announced Casey DeSmith had signed a contract extension, locking DeSmith in as Matt Murray’s long-term backup.
One would think Jarry wanted to kick a Zamboni or snap a few sticks, maybe even storm into somebody’s office and profanely demand a trade like that scene from “Slapshot.” But Jarry, still the Penguins’ top goalie prospect all these years later, swears he is “very excited” for DeSmith.
“He’s a great goalie and is going to be a great goalie for many years in that league,” Jarry said Wednesday. “It’s great to see the deal he got and that he’ll be here for three more years.”
One can’t help but wonder, however, what that means for the 44th overall pick from 2013?
Since the Penguins drafted Jarry, he has witnessed the ascension of Murray, who has won two Stanley Cups and recently rediscovered his game after a rocky two months, and DeSmith, who has clawed his way up from the ECHL and seized the opportunity created when Murray struggled then spent four weeks on injured reserve. DeSmith has won 12 of 23 starts this season, posting a
.921 save percentage and earning that three-year, $3.75 million deal.
With Murray entrenched as the No. 1 and DeSmith sticking around as a capable backup, NHL teams with uncertain longterm goalie situations surely will call general manager Jim Rutherford to inquire about Jarry between now and the Feb. 25 trade deadline.
“It’s not really something I pay too much attention to,” Jarry said of trade rumors. “My attention is here with the team. I do my part and do as much as I can to help them win every night.”
Most nights, Jarry has done a lot for Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton. Take the game Friday night in Charlotte, hours after the 23-year-old learned his path to Pittsburgh would remain blocked. He made 28 saves, including a few beauties, as the Penguins topped the Checkers, 5-1.
He was back in net the next night, but the Penguins lost, 5-3,
In 21 games this season, Jarry is 11-7-3 with a .910 save percentage. Those around the team say Jarry, who arrived for training camp with an improved work ethic and 20 fewer pounds, has been far more consistent than he was earlier
in his AHL career
“He’s just working on his game and being the best player he can be,” coach Clark Donatelli said. “His practice habits are unbelievable this year. He’s battling every puck. It’s really something to see. He’s really pushing it. And that has made him a better goalie.”
Jarry usually has been locked in while tracking pucks and shuffling around his crease, whereas his mind might have drifted before. That was a big emphasis for goaltending coach Mike Buckley and Andy Chiodo, the organization’s new goaltending development coach.
“That’s been a big thing, just making sure that I’m prepared for a shot and ready for it,” he said.
Jarry was talking about flying pucks then, but the same thing applies for his career. Donatelli says every year, the first thing he tells his players, all with at least one eye on the NHL, is to “control what you can control.” Jarry has embraced that mantra this year.
“I think it’s a matter of just working hard,” Jarry said. “Everyone will get their chance at one point. I just have to be prepared and be ready for when I do get that chance. One day it will come. Pittsburgh’s doing a great job developing me.”
Jarry has spent two stints with the NHL club this season. The first one was brief, backing up DeSmith once while Murray battled a concussion. The second lasted a few weeks as Murray recovered from a lower-body injury, but Jarry made just two starts, losing both.
“The first game I played well and the second game was lots of learning [moments],” said Jarry, who gave up seven goals on 62 shots.”
And, as it now appears with DeSmith getting his extension, they will keep rolling with him.
That has Jarry back in the AHL, where as arguably the most talented player on the team he has kept Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the playoff hunt. Entering Wednesday, the Penguins were fifth in their division at 19-16-5 and tied for seventh in the AHL’s Eastern Conference with 43 points.
In 10 games since being reassigned again, Jarry allowed three goals or fewer in seven.
“He’s been awesome,” said Teddy Blueger, the team’s leading scorer. “Obviously, he’s in a tough situation … because [Murray and DeSmith] are great, too. But he’s doing everything he can.”