Report: Pens ready to pull the trigger on goalie deal?

In his latest mail bag segment for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Penguins beat reporter Sam Werner addresses the trade speculation surrounding Penguins GM Jim Rutherford and his search for an experienced backup goaltender.

Some names mentioned: Toronto Maple Leafs backup Curtis McElHinney, Calgary Flames backup Eddie Lack or Winnipeg Jets third-stringer Michael Hutchinson. But let’s not get carried away… it doesn’t look like a deal is imminent, at least not according to Rutherford. “If you ask Jim Rutherford, he’s not looking to acquire a backup goalie right now,” says Werner. “And as things stand, why should he? Tristan Jarry has been really good in Matt Murray’s absence and seems more than capable as a backup when Murray returns.”

It’s true, Jarry has been good. But when the heat gets ramped up in the NHL playoffs, can the two-time defending champions really rely on an unproven 22-year-old? It’s worked out in the case of Murray, but he’s a rare exception to the rule. 

So for now, it looks as if Rutherford and the Pens will stand pat. But don’t be surprised if the team goes fishing for a backup sometime between now and the NHL’s February 26th trade deadline.