Penguins under fire after controversial homecoming for Tristan Jarry

On Tuesday night, it was a weird homecoming for new Edmonton Oilers goalie Tristan Jarry, who returned PPG Paints Arena, where he played his first 10 NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

It was the first time he did so as an opponent. What was weirded however, was the treatment he received from his former team.

Or lack thereof.

It was confirmed minutes before the game last night that Jarry would not get a warm tribute from the club and their home crowd, despite being a member for almost the last decade.

According to reporter Dave Molinari, it is because the Penguins have some policy about former players and their accomplishments with the team.

“For those asking, the Penguins are not expected to have a tribute video for Tristan Jarry tonight. They are believed to have adopted a policy of giving such recognition only to guys who won a Cup here.”

Jarry, who was selected by the Penguins in the second round (No. 44) of the 2013 NHL Draft, was not a full-time member of the franchise until the 2017-2018 season.

Still, the guy managed to go 161-100-32 with a 2.74 goals-against average, .909 save percentage and 22 shutouts in 307 games (294 starts) for Pittsburgh, and was a beloved teammate and fan favourite.

I personally find it unfortunate…

Maybe the Penguins came to the realization that it was unfair for Jarry and right at the start of the game, they put up a picture of the goaltender, thanking him for his time with the organization and fans gace him a deserving standing ovation. Even Penguins captain Sidney Crosby joined in.

Jarry made his debut with the Oilers the day after the trade, making 25 saves in a 6-3 win at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Last night, in Pittsburgh.

And last night, he came out on top with Edmonton winning 6-4 in what must have felt like some poetic justice for Jarry.