PITTSBURGH — When the Penguins signed Tristan Jarry to a five-year deal worth $26.875 million less than a year ago, it seemed to eliminate any question about the franchise's future in goal.

Yet after the team announced Thursday that it had re-signed Alex Nedeljkovic for two years, $5 million, it's fair to say that Jarry's role has become less clear.

Does that mean the Penguins will lean hard into the two-goaltender system Mike Sullivan praised at his season-ending news conference? Or does Nedeljkovic's extension mean Jarry is operating on borrowed time?

I don't know. Not sure you do, either. We can make valid arguments both ways.

The Penguins must be mindful of prospect Joel Blomqvist, who seems awfully close to NHL duty. Having Jarry and Nedeljkovic doesn't exactly create a clear path to playing time for the 22-year-old Finn.

Blomqvist starred with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL last season, going 25-12-6 with a 2.16 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. What more does he stand to gain at that level?

According to contract status, and barring injury, Blomqvist would currently not see regular NHL duty until 2026-27, which doesn't match his maturation level as a prospect.

It's why part of me can't help but think president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas bringing Nedeljkovic back signals that he's open for business with Jarry, who lost his starting job down the stretch last season.

At the same time, this also isn't a great time to deal Jarry, whose stock might be at a career low.

If the Penguins want proper return on investment, it takes me back to something my colleague Matt Vensel said and wrote plenty last season: The most common outcome for the team in goal in 2024-25 will be to run it back with the same two guys.

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